This series was filmed in 2013 - 2015 and some of the political figures shown no longer hold their positions.
In 2009, a newspaper investigation exposed MPs across the House of Commons for cheating their expenses. Since then, the public perception of MPs has never recovered.
We see how MPs are trying to change this. One way is through a new online expenses system, but it leads to a lot of frustration amongst MPs.
The behaviour in the House of Commons chamber also contributes to a negative opinion. At Prime Ministers Questions, MPs are told off for shouting at one another. Is this the example they should be setting?
Some people think that the building itself contributes to the way MPs behave and that the House of Commons should be a more modern environment. But many, including former Prime Minister David Cameron, think that we should celebrate its history and traditions.
What is to be done if the House of Commons is to win back the public’s trust?
This short film is from the BBC series, Exploring the House of Commons. This series goes behind the scenes of the House of Commons to explain some of the processes that drive British politics.
Teacher Notes
GCSE or Scottish National 5:
Pupils could share their perceptions of Parliament before watching.
When they watch, they could note the things that have damaged Parliament's reputation, before suggesting potential solutions to Parliament's image problem.
A level or Scottish Higher:
This could be used very effectively to introduce the negative image of the House of Commons held by the general public.
Pupils could consider the reasons why Parliament has an image problems and suggest potential solutions to these problems.
Does it matter that the public's perception of Parliament is so negative?
Curriculum Notes
This short film will be relevant for teaching classes about Citizenship. It will be suitable for GCSE or A Level, and Scottish National 5 or Higher.
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What is a Private Members' Bill? video
Learn more about Private Members’ Bills, a bill introduced by an MP who isn’t a minister.
What is Prime Minister's Questions? video
Go behind the scenes to see how Prime Minister’s Questions really works.
Changing Britain's Constitution. video
Learn how the House of Commons deals with challenges to Britain’s uncodified constitution.
Why do MPs rebel? video
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What is a whip and is their power declining? video
Meet the whips, who are in charge of party discipline. How is their role changing?
