Written by Isabella Pelaez, Marketing Intern
The history of the United Kingdom is intricately woven with the evolution of its Parliament. Established in the 13th century, Parliament has undergone momentous transformations that have shaped not just the UK, but have also had a significant impact on democratic governance worldwide.
Old Beginnings
The emergence of the political body which would eventually transform into Parliament can be dated back to 1215 from the signing of King John’s Magna Carta which initiated the sharing of power from the Monarch to wealthy Lords. Fast forward to 1341 under King Edward III’s reign which was marked by the arrival of two separate houses: the House of Commons which voiced the interest of the people and the House of Lords which represented nobility.
Derived from the French word “parler,” meaning “to speak,” Parliament stands as a testament to democratic deliberation and dialogue. Today, it consists of three components: the House of Commons, the House of Lords, and the Monarch, as the ceremonial head of state. The House of Commons is the lower chamber, where Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected by the people. The House of Lords is the upper chamber, consisting of appointed members, including life peers, bishops, and hereditary peers. Together, these bodies scrutinise legislation, hold the government to account, and engage in debates that shape national policy.
Everyday Life
Present day, Parliament has a pivotal role in the running of our daily life in the UK. Our COO, Jonathan, a former Government Special Advisor believes that “Parliament is the place where you can make that difference and not just by becoming an MP yourself, I mean through lobbying MPs, through campaigning. Parliament is the place in a country governed by the law where you can highlight those big issues.”
Jonathan continues, “In terms of both Houses, it’s more or less the same with one important difference. Legislation, which is making and changing the law, scrutinising the work of the government through daily question periods and debates. The one slight difference is money because the House of Commons has far more budgetary power than the House of Lords for historical reasons.”