How Parliament Works

The UK Parliament, known to many as 'The Mother of Parliaments' can trace its origins back as far as 1265. Rich in tradition and character its activities are constantly in the news and televised daily. Yet much of its work remains a mystery even to some of its members. What are Parliament's powers? What happens when you write to your MP? Why is there so much noise at Prime Minister's question time? What is the role of the select committees? What impact is the European Parliament having on the UK Parliament? These questions and many others are addressed in this comprehensive guide to the day to day workings of the House of Commons and the House of Lords. How Parliament Works, now in its third edition, has become a standard work on the British Parliament. It examines both Houses, looking at their make up, their role and their operating methods. It also analyses the shortcomings and merits of current parliamentary procedures, contrasting these (where appropriate) with experience in other countries.

How Parliament Works has established itself as an unofficial bible for everyone interested in Parliament – for those who study the institution for degrees in politics or at AS or A level; for civil servants, lobbyists, journalists, witnesses before select committees and all whose work brings them into contact with Parliament; for constituents who want to know how they are represented and how their problems can be addressed; for those in the UK and overseas who want to know more about the workings of the institution; and for members, especially new members, of both Houses.

Although Parliament is constantly in the news and televised daily, much of its work remains a mystery to outsiders and is sometimes perplexing even to its own members. This book provides a unique insight into the work and daily life of Parliament. It sets out plainly and intelligibly what goes on and why things happen, but it also analyses the pressures within the institution, its strengths and weaknesses, and ways in which it might change.

A standard textbook, now entirely rewritten, it covers every aspect of the work, membership, and structures of both Houses, and also reflects the profound changes in Parliament over the last five years, including the 'transitional' House of Lords, following the rejection of proposals for an elected element; the effects of devolution and the Human Rights Act; the programming of bills and many other significant changes in the Commons; and the relationship between Parliament and the European Union in the context of impending European constitutional change.

• A straightforward and readable analysis of one of the country’s most complex institutions.
• An invaluable companion to the study of politics at AS, A and university level.
• Essential reading for anyone who wants to see behind the headlines and really understand how Parliament works.

The authors

Robert Rogers and Rhodri Walters are senior officers of the Commons and the Lords respectively. They each have some 30 years’ in-depth experience and insight into the workings of Parliament.