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How can I contact my Member of Parliament?
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MPs may be contacted at the House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA (Tel: 020 7219 3000). However, it is usually a good idea to write to your MP first, so that they have clear written details of your case.
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Can I watch a debate in the House of Commons or House of Lords?
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Yes, members of the public are admitted to the Public Gallery. UK residents may write to their MP for tickets, any anyone may queue for admittance on the day outside St Stephen's Entrance. See our section on Visiting Parliament for more details.
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Who is the Father of the House of Commons?
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The Rt Hon Alan Williams MP, Labour MP for Swansea West has served continuously in the House of Commons since 1964.
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Who is the oldest MP?
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The oldest MP is Piara Khabra, Labour MP for Ealing Southall, born in November 1924. He entered Parliament in the 1992 election.
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Who is the youngest MP?
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The youngest MP is currently Jo Swinson, Liberal Democrat MP for East Dunbartonshire. She was born in February 1980, and entered Parliament in the 2005 election. She is currently Shadow Minister for Culture, Media and Sport.
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How many women MPs are there in the House of Commons?
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There were 127 women voted in as MPs in the 2005 Election – the highest number ever recorded.
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How much is an MP paid?
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An MPs parliamentary salary is currently £59,095 (2005).
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What is the Government?
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Her Majesty's Government (or Executive) is the institution that runs the country, formulating policy and introducing legislation in Parliament. Members of the Government are usually either members of the House of Commons or House of Lords, which allows both Houses to keep a check on their work by asking questions or debating the issues.
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What is the Cabinet?
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The most senior members of the Government are known as the Cabinet. The Cabinet committee is at the heart of the British political system. It is made up of Secretaries of State from all departments as well as other ministers, and is the supreme decision-making body in government. Whilst members of the House of Commons make up the majority of the Cabinet, there are always a few members from the House of Lords.
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When does the Budget take place?
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The Budget Statement usually takes place on a Tuesday or Wednesday in March, although the date is usually only confirmed a few weeks in advance.
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How much is the Prime Minister's salary?
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In 2005, the PM's salary was £183,932.
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Why are General Elections held on Thursdays?
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This is custom only; the Prime Minister could choose any day. However, the last time the general election was not held on a Thursday was Tuesday 27 October 1931.
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What happens to the Government when a General Election is called?
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The Government continues in office until the results of the election are known. The new Prime Minister will announce his cabinet soon after polling day.
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What happens to MPs when a General Election is called?
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When a General Election is called, Parliament is dissolved, and all Members cease to be MPs. Whilst Parliament is dissolved, ex-Members are not permitted to enter the Palace of Westminster or use any of its facilities. However, they will continue to be paid up until polling day.
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Who can vote?
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Any British citizen over the age of 18 or any Irish or Commonwealth citizen resident in the UK over the age of 18 can vote, although some people may be disqualified.
People who are disqualified from voting include:
- members of the House of Lords,
- current prisoners who have been sentenced to more than 12 months imprisonment,
- offenders detained in mental hospitals,
- anyone convicted within the previous five years of corrupt or illegal practices during elections,
- or anyone who is mentally incapable of making a reasoned judgement.
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Who can stand as a candidate in a general election?
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You must be over 21, and a British, Commonwealth or Irish Republic citizen to stand as a candidate at a parliamentary election. Certain people are also disqualified from becoming a candidate:
- A Member of the House of Lords.
- An undischarged bankrupt.
- An offender sentenced to more than one year in prison if currently serving the sentence or unlawfully at large.
- Convicted of illegal or corrupt practices at elections.
- The holder a certain office or job, such as judge, civil servant, members of the police force or army. These roles require political impartiality.
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Does the Queen vote?
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Although electoral law does not prohibit the Monarch or other members of Royal Family from voting, it would be considered unconstitutional if they chose to exercise that right.
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