FAQS
The UK public elects Members of Parliament (MPs) to represent their interests and concerns in the House of Commons. MPs are involved in considering and proposing new laws, and can use their position to ask government ministers questions about current issues. MPs split their time between working in Parliament itself, working in the constituency that elected them and working for their political party. Some MPs from the ruling party become government ministers with specific responsibilities in certain areas, such as Health or Defence.
When Parliament is sitting (meeting), MPs generally spend their time working in the House of Commons. This can include raising issues affecting their constituents, attending debates and voting on new laws. Most MPs are also members of committees, which look at issues in detail, from government policy and new laws, to wider topics like human rights.
What Can My MP Do For Me?
MPs can assist their constituents in a variety of ways, from making private enquiries on your behalf, to raising matters publicly in the House of Commons.
First steps
Keeping the issue private, your MP might write to the relevant department or official, send a letter to the appropriate Minister or make a personal appointment to discuss the issue.
Although they don't sound dramatic, these steps can often go a long way to providing a solution.
Making the issue public
Your MP may decide to make the issue public by raising it in the House of Commons, where it will be officially recorded, and could potentially come to the attention of the press and public. If these options aren't possible or successful, you may wish to organise a petition addressed to the House of Commons or lobby your MP.
If these options aren't possible or successful, you may wish to organise a petition addressed to the House of Commons or lobby your MP.
Outside Parliament
Outside Parliament, and at the discretion of the individual MP, you could request that your MP speak at an event concerning the issue, pledge their support to a campaign or write to the local media on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:
How many MPs are there in the House of Commons?
There are currently 650 MPs.
How many male MPs are there?
There are currently 507 male MPs.
How many female MPs are there?
There are currently 143 female MPs.
Who was the first woman MP?
Countess Constance Markievicz was the first woman elected to the House of Commons, in 1918. However she did not take her seat, in protest against Britains policy in Ireland. The first woman to be elected and take her seat was Viscountess Nancy Astor in 1919.
Who was the first woman Minister?
Margaret Bondfield - appointed Under Secretary in the Ministry of Labour in 1924.
Who is the Speaker of the House of Commons?
The Speaker of the House of Commons is the Rt Hon John Bercow MP.
What is the average age of an MP?
Following the general election of 2010, the average age of an MP was 50.