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 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.
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.

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