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What does the UK Parliament do?

The UK Parliament represents the people of the United Kingdom. It makes decisions and passes laws on a wide range of issues that affect you.

How is it made up?

The UK Parliament is made up of two 'Houses' – the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

House of Commons

The House of Commons has 650 Members of Parliament (MPs). Each MP represents a part of the UK called a 'constituency' or 'seat'. MPs debate the big political issues of the day and proposals for new laws.

Find out more about the House of Commons

House of Lords

The House of Lords has over 700 unelected members who scrutinise the work of the House of Commons.

Before 1999, the House of Lords was mostly made up of hereditary peers who inherited their title through their family. After 1999, the majority of Lords are now 'life peers'. This means they are appointed for their knowledge or experience in a particular field but do not pass on their title.

Find out more about the House of Lords

How is it elected?

The UK Parliament is elected at a UK general election.

At a general election you have one vote to choose a candidate to represent your constituency in the House of Commons.

Most candidates are from a political party but there can also be independent candidates.

After a general election, the leader of the party with the most MPs is asked by the King to become Prime Minister and to form a government that will run the country. The leader of the party with the second highest number of MPs becomes the Leader of the Opposition.

Who is eligible to vote?

To vote at the UK general election you must be registered to vote and:

  • 18 years of age or over on polling day
  • be a British, Irish or qualifying Commonwealth citizen
  • be resident at an address in the UK (or a UK citizen living abroad who has previously been registered to vote in the UK or has lived in the UK)
  • not be legally excluded from voting

The following cannot vote in a UK Parliament election:

  • members of the House of Lords
  • EU citizens (other than the Republic of Ireland, Cyprus and Malta) resident in the UK
  • anyone other than British, Irish and qualifying Commonwealth citizens
  • convicted persons detained in pursuance of their sentences, excluding contempt of court (though remand prisoners, unconvicted prisoners and civil prisoners can vote if they are on the electoral register)
  • anyone found guilty within the previous five years of corrupt or illegal practices in connection with an election

Find out more information about who is eligible to vote

Looking for the candidates standing in your area? Enter your postcode to view a list. Your candidates will be available a few weeks before polling day.

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