How are new UK laws made?
- Published
The Houses of Parliament in London is where new rules that everyone in the country has to follow are made.
Inside is the House of Commons. The government and its opposition meet here to debate the big political issues of the day.
The laws that for the UK begin as a document called a Bill. These are debated on by Members of Parliament.
These green benches are usually filled with Members of Parliament. There are 650 MPs and they are voted for by the public.
The red lines on the floor keep the two sides of the house apart. MPs used to be allowed to carry swords more than 700 years ago, so the lines kept them far enough apart so they couldn't engage in a sword fight!
When the House of Commons has agreed on a Bill it is delivered to the House of Lords. Their chamber has bright red chairs which distinguish it from the House of Commons.
There are around 780 members of the Lords, but that number changes from year to year. Lords are not elected by the public: they are appointed by Queen who takes advice from the Prime Minister.
Ayshah met with Baroness D'Souza. She's the speaker of the House of Lords - also known as the Lord Speaker. Part of her job is to keep debates under control in the House of Lords.
The main job of the House of Lords is to 'double check' new laws suggested by the House of Commons to make sure they are fair and will work.
When both the Houses of Commons and House or Lords have agreed on a Bill, the Queen signs it to make it a law.
