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Parliament
The British legislature made up of the House of Commons, the House of Lords and the monarch.
House of Commons
The primary chamber of the UK legislature, directly elected by voters.
Opposition
MPs and lords who are not members of the governing party or parties.
Backbenchers
MPs or Lords who do not hold any government office
Party Whip
A party official appointment by the party leader whose role is to maintain party discipline and loyalty, to inform MPs about Parliamentary business and to act as a means of communication between backbenchers and party leaderships. The term originates from fox hunting, where a rider known as the ‘whipper-in’ tried to keep the hounds in order.
Life peer
A prominent member of society who is granted a peerage. This entitles the holder to attend the House of Lords, take part in debates and scrutinise and vote on legislation. The entitlement is for life unless they are convicted of serious misconduct.
Crossbencher
A name given to members of the House of Lords who are not formal members of any political party and so are independent-minded. They organise as a group and are different from the non-affiliated members of the Lords.
Salisbury convention
The convention whereby the House of Lords does not delay or block legislation that was included in a governments manifesto.
Consent
The idea that a proposed law or decision by the government is formally consented to by the people. This is vital in a democracy. However, in a parliamentary democracy, the elected Parliament can grant consent on behalf of the people.
Ballot
In legislation, a means by which an MP may introduce a private members bill with the opportunity for full discussion and debate with allocated time.
Ten minute rule bill
A means of introducing private members legislation by making a 10 min speech introducing the issue for consideration.
Confidence and supply
The right to remove the government and to grant or withhold funding. Also used to describe a type of informal coalition agreement where the minority partner agrees to provide these things in exchange for policy concessions.
Public bill committees
Committee responsible for looking at bills in detail
Select committee
Committee responsible for scutinising the work of government particularly individual government departments
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