The following questions have been sent to us by children visiting our website.

If you have a question please use our search page first. If you still can’t find the answer on our website, then please email me your question.

What is Chequers?

My teacher told me about some place all the politicians go to "hang out" called chequers or checkers? Apparently it is like a big function center? Can you please tell me a bit more about it? Jacqueline, Australia

Chequers

Chequers is a country house belonging to the Government, which is used as the Prime Minister’s non-London residence. If the PM needs to hold a private conference of some of his Ministers or receive foreign visitors over a weekend, Chequers is usually where it is done. It is also used by Prime Ministers to entertain guests as a special privilege.

Who is the Prime Minister and what is his job?
Jake, USA

We could have a different Prime Minister every five years, depending on whether he/she is re-elected. Click here to see who our present Prime Minister is.

The Prime Minister is the team captain in charge of the team of people who make up up the government. The government makes important decisions that affect us all – things like what is taught in schools, where motorways are built, how much tax people should pay and if more houses should be built or not. The Prime Minister helps the Government to come to an agreement on the decisions to be made.

The Prime Minister also represents the UK in other countries at important events and meetings.

Where does the British Prime Minister live?
Carly USA

The official residence of the Prime Minister is number 10 Downing Street in London

Who was also the longest serving British Prime Minister ?
Amy U.S

Sir Robert Walpole was the longest serving prime minister lasting 21 years (1721 – 1742). He is also widely acknowledged as the first prime minister too. He dominated English politics for twenty years, becoming the first to occupy the official residence at 10 Downing Street.

Find out more about the Government