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British life and culture - England, Scotland and Wales
The House of Commons Chamber
Woodlands Junior School is in the south-east corner of England

The House of Lords | The House of Commons

MPs hold most of their debates in the House of Commons Chamber. The Speaker, who controls proceedings, sits on a raised chair at one end of the Chamber.

House of Commons
House of Commons facing towards the Speaker.

The Government sit on the benches on the Speaker's right, whilst members of the Opposition party MPs occupy the benches on the Speaker's left.The Opposition's job is to oppose the Government. The biggest Opposition party sits directly across from the Government benches.

What are the red lines on the carpet in front of each set of benches for?

The red lines in front of the two sets of benches are two-sword lengths apart; a Member is traditionally not allowed to cross the line during debates. The lines are there to prevent either side attacking the other during a debate. Of course, MPs are not likely to attack each other these days.

The main Political Parties

There are three major political parties, in the House of Commons:

  1. Labour
  2. Conservative
  3. Liberal Democrats

As well as the three major political parties the UK also has various minor ones, some of whom have seats in parliament.

Interesting Fact
No King or Queen has entered the House of Commons since 1642, when Charles l stormed in with his soldiers and tried to arrest five members of Parliament who were there.

How Britain is Governed | Parliament

House of Parliament | Elections | Government

Prime Minister | House of Commons

Making and Passing Laws


Events and special days in the UK
British Life
Pooh down the River Thames
Flat Stanley
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Woodlands Junior School, Hunt Road Tonbridge Kent TN10 4BB UK