Who rules //
Members of Parliament (MPs)
What do MPs do?
The main job MPs have is to be responsible for ensuring that the people in their constituency are represented and listened to. How can they know what everyone thinks and wants? MPs have to do several things as part of their role to make sure they are in touch with what people want. These include answering letters and phone calls and holding 'surgery' times. These are the days and hours when they are available for people to speak to them directly.
Out and about
MPs also visit places within the constituency such as hospitals and schools. This lets them see what's going on but also gathers support and shows they are interested in the people who voted for them. They also take part in debates in Parliament and, if the party they belong to is the one in power (the government), they may have special responsibilities for a national matter such as health.
Who can become an MP?
You might think that it's just stuffy old posh men and women that become MPs. You'd be wrong. If MPs are there to represent normal, everyday people, it's a good idea if they too are normal, everyday people. Anyone over the age of 21 can become an MP. Of course you need to get selected as a candidate and pull in the votes, but still, it is possible.
I'm under 18 – listen up!
Just because you're not 18 and eligible to vote, it doesn't mean that you don't have the right to be heard. You are still able to express what you think to your MP and can take part in protests and campaigns about things that matter to you. There's even a minister in the government who is responsible for children and young people. Under 18s are citizens just like everybody else and, more importantly, the voters of tomorrow.
Just because you're not 18 and eligible to vote, it doesn't mean that you don't have the right to be heard.
Key Points
- MPs are responsible for taking the views and opinions of their constituents to Parliament.
- MPs hold 'surgeries' in their constituencies so that they can meet face to face and talk to people directly.
- MPs have other roles within the government and Parliament too.
- Anyone over the age of 21 can become an MP.
Reality Bytes: David Lammy MP
David Lammy became the MP for Tottenham, London, in 2000. He is the youngest MP in the UK, born in his constituency on 19 July 1972. He is one of five children and was brought up by his mother – a single parent.
He managed to win a scholarship at a school in Peterborough and then returned to London to study law at university. He then went on to Harvard University in the US and was the first British black person to study a master's degree in law there.
Among other things, David worked for Amnesty International in Jamaica and was a member of the Greater London Assembly before winning his seat for his home constituency of Tottenham. A local success story!
Interesting Facts
- The 2001 general election saw some of the youngest candidates standing – aged just 21.
- There are 129 MSPs, 60 representatives in the Welsh Assembly and 659 MPs in Westminster.
- The Conservative Party believe the number of MPs should be reduced.
Big Questions
- What kind of qualities do you think a good MP should have?
- Do you think that you should be allowed to become an MP at 18 instead of 21? Why? Why not?
