Checking the work of the government

CHECKING THE WORK OF GOVERNMENT

The House of Commons and the House of Lords examine and challenge the work of the government.

They do this by asking questions, seeking information, debating current issues or by carrying out in-depth inquiries through committee work.

Government ministers come to Parliament to answer questions from MPs and members of the House of Lords. This is known as Question Time. On Wednesdays, the Prime Minister faces a half-hour of questioning from MPs in the Commons at Prime Minister’s Question Time.

Ministers also update Parliament when important decisions are announced or to respond to major events and emergencies.

Debates in Parliament provide an opportunity for MPs and members of the House of Lords to discuss government policy and matters that are important to members of the public directly with government ministers.

There is a House of Commons Select Committee for each government department that can scrutinize its spending, administration, and policy. House of Lords Select Committees take advantage of the knowledge and experience of members of the Lords to investigate broad, long-term issues, proposed laws and government activity. MPs and members of the House of Lords also work together in Joint Select Committees. These committees regularly seek the views of external organisations and members of the public to inform their inquiries.