` Stories - UK Parliament

Parliament Week 2012

Big Ben

Stories

Read inspiring articles and learn more about the people who have contributed to our democracy in the past and those who continue to do so today. There is something of interest for everyone, from the struggles of the Suffragettes to the modern day campaigns of the UK Youth Parliament.



Birmingham and Parliament: The Right to Vote - Part One

23 September 2011
The right to vote in democratic elections is a privilege we enjoy in the UK, but it wasn’t always the case. This film explores how Birmingham was involved in the campaign for electoral reform.

Birmingham and Parliament: The Right to Vote - Part Two

23 September 2011
This film, the second of two produced by local film maker Sima Gonsai, continues the exploration of how Birmingham was involved in the campaign for electoral reform.

Popular petitioning in the 19th century

23 September 2011
Henry Miller, from the History of Parliament Trust, examines the huge growth in petitions to Parliament from members of the public in the nineteenth century.

The Public and Parliament in the seventeenth century

23 September 2011
Professor Chris Kyle, from Syracuse University, explains how close people could get to Parliament in the seventeenth century.

From other sites: About Parliament

What does Parliament do?

Parliament examines what the Government is doing, makes new laws, holds the power to set taxes and debates the issues of the day.

The House of Commons and House of Lords each play an important role in the work of Parliament.

Find out more on the Parliament website

UK Parliament: About Parliament