There are three elements to Parliament today: the Crown, the House of Lords, and the House of Commons. These three elements work together to effectively ‘run’ the country by examining and challenging the work of the government (scrutiny), debating and passing laws (legislation), and enabling the government to raise taxes.
Founded on the principles of Magna Carta, the Parliament of the United Kingdom was established in 1801 by the merger of Great Britain and Ireland under the Act of the Union. At this time, the House of Lords was superior to the House of Commons in both theory and practice. Parliament as we know it today and the supremacy of the House of Commons was established in the early 20th Century.
Elected Members of Parliament (MPs) act as their constituents’ representative in Parliament and are involved in considering and proposing new laws, and can use their position to ask Government ministers questions about current issues.
Working in Reading East
When I was an MP, I held regular advice surgeries, where people could come along to discuss any matters that concerned them. I also attended functions, visited schools and businesses, did work experience and generally tried to meet as many people as possible. This gave me further insight and context into issues that are often discussed at Westminster.
Working in Parliament
When Parliament was sitting (meeting), I generally spent my time working in the House of Commons. This could include raising issues affecting my 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.
If you would like more information you can see how I have voted on issues in the Commons, what questions I have tabled and debates I have attended, and what my parliamentary expenses are spent on.
You can see my recent appearances and speeches below: