Exploring the House of Commons

Making Laws | Meet the Lords

All bills must be agreed upon by both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, otherwise, they won't make it into law.

A Tax Too Far | Dispatches

As local authorities prepare to send out the bills for the new council tax, Dispatches reveals how the government spent more than £20 billion to e...

Crossbenchers | A to Z of Parliament

BBC Parliament presenters explain integral parts of the parliamentary process.

How you become a Lord | Meet the Lords

A look at the different ways one can become a member of the House of Lords.

Independent peers | Meet the Lords

The independent peers or ''crossbenchers'' are not affiliated with any political party but bring experience from a wide range of workplaces.

Challenging the executive | Meet the Lords

The government attempt to stop scrutiny of their 2016 housing bill.

Changing Legislation | Meet the Lords

Lord Dubs's amendment to make sure adequate care is met for refugee children is accepted by the Prime Minister.

Coronavirus | A to Z of Parliament

George Dabby presents a quick guide on how the legislatures in the UK are adapting their proceedings to the coronavirus pandemic.

Crown Stewards | A to Z of Parliament

BBC Parliament presenters explain integral parts of the parliamentary process.

English Votes for English Laws | A to Z of Parliament

BBC Parliament presenters explain integral parts of the parliamentary process.

Henry VIII Powers | A to Z of Parliament

BBC Parliament presenters explain integral parts of the parliamentary process.

How can Lords exercise power | Meet the Lords

Lords can exercise power by lobbying their neighbours in the commons, influencing decisions and encouraging amendments.

How to pass a bill | Meet the Lords

A brief snapshot of the stages a bill can go through, including cross-party negotiations on amendments.

Lords Questions | A to Z of Parliament

BBC Parliament presenters explain integral parts of the parliamentary process.

Maiden Speeches | A to Z of Parliament

BBC Parliament's Selina Seth presents a snappy guide on what it takes to make an MP's Maiden speech in the House of Commons.

Parliament At War | A to Z of Parliament

BBC Parliament presenters explain integral parts of the parliamentary process.

Parliamentary Ping-Pong | A to Z of Parliament

Gary Connor looks at parliamentary 'ping-pong' - the process of how the House of Commons and the House of Lords agree on the f...

Points of Order | A to Z of Parliament

BBC Parliament presenters explain integral parts of the parliamentary process.

Proxy Voting | A to Z of Parliament

BBC Parliament's George Dabby presents a quick guide to proxy voting in the House of Commons.

Question Time | Meet the Lords

Various Lords discuss the frenetic nature of Question Time in the House and all the rules (or lack thereof) that come with it.