UK Parliament
Parliament examines what the Government is doing, makes new laws, holds the power to set taxes and debates the issues of the day. The House of Commons and House of Lords each play an important role in Parliament's work.
About Parliament
Parliament examines what the UK Government is doing, makes new laws, holds the power to set taxes and debates the issues of the day. The House of Commons and House of Lords each play an important role in Parliament’s work.
What is the role of Parliament?
The main functions of the UK Parliament are to:
- Check and challenge the work of the Government (scrutiny)
- Make and change laws (legislation)
- Debate the important issues of the day (debating)
- Check and approve Government spending (budget/taxes)
Parliament is made up of three central elements: the House of Commons, the House of Lords and the monarchy. The main business of Parliament takes place in the two Houses. Generally the decisions made in one House have to be approved by the other.