Chapter 5: Visiting UK Parliament and Assemblies

Understanding the UK Parliament and Devolved Administrations

In the UK, there are different places where elected members meet to discuss and make laws. These include the UK Parliament and the devolved administrations in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Let’s break this down step by step.

1. The UK Parliament

• Location: The UK Parliament is located in the Palace of Westminster, London.
• Public Access: You can listen to debates in two main areas:
  • House of Commons: This is where most of the important discussions happen.
  • House of Lords: This is where appointed members discuss various issues.
• Visiting:
  • Tickets: You can write to your local MP (Member of Parliament) to request tickets in advance.
  • Queuing: If you don’t have tickets, you can queue on the day for entry.
  • Cost: Entrance is free, but sometimes you may wait for 1 to 2 hours, especially for the House of Commons.
• Website: For more information, visit www.parliament.uk.

2. Northern Ireland Assembly

• Location: The Northern Ireland Assembly meets at Stormont in Belfast.
• Members: Elected members here are called MLAs (Members of the Legislative Assembly).
• Visiting:
  • You can arrange a visit by contacting the Education Service or an MLA.
• Website: More details can be found at www.niassembly.gov.uk.

3. Scottish Parliament

• Location: The Scottish Parliament is in Holyrood, Edinburgh.
• Members: Elected members are known as MSPs (Members of the Scottish Parliament).
• Visiting:
  • You can get information, book tickets, or arrange tours through visitor services.
  • You can write to them or call for bookings.
• Contact: More information is available at www.scottish.parliament.uk.

4. National Assembly for Wales

• Location: The Welsh Assembly meets in the Senedd in Cardiff Bay.
• Members: Elected members are called AMs (Assembly Members).
• Visiting:
  • The Senedd is an open building where you can book guided tours or seats in the public galleries.
• Contact: For more details, visit www.wales.gov.uk.

Questions for Understanding

Easy Level Questions

1. Where does the UK Parliament meet?
   • A) Stormont
   • B) Holyrood
   • C) Palace of Westminster
   • D) Senedd
2. What are members of the House of Commons called?
   • A) AMs
   • B) MSPs
   • C) MPs
   • D) MLAs
3. Is it free to enter the UK Parliament?
   • A) Yes
   • B) No
   • C) Only for children
   • D) Only for tourists
4. How can you get tickets to the House of Commons?
   • A) Buy them online
   • B) Queue on the day
   • C) Ask a friend
   • D) Write to your local MLA
5. Where do members of the Scottish Parliament meet?
   • A) Cardiff
   • B) Belfast
   • C) Edinburgh
   • D) London
6. What is the name of the elected members in Northern Ireland?
   • A) MPs
   • B) AMs
   • C) MLAs
   • D) MSPs
7. How long might you wait to enter the House of Commons?
   • A) 5 minutes
   • B) 20 minutes
   • C) 1 to 2 hours
   • D) No wait at all
8. Which building is open for booking guided tours in Wales?
   • A) Palace of Westminster
   • B) Holyrood
   • C) Stormont
   • D) Senedd
9. What is the email for booking tickets at the Scottish Parliament?
   • A) info@scottish.parliament.uk
   • B) sp.bookings@scottish.parliament.uk
   • C) bookings@scotland.gov.uk
   • D) tickets@parliament.uk
10. Who can you contact for more information about the Northern Ireland Assembly?
    • A) Your local MP
    • B) The Education Service
    • C) The Prime Minister
    • D) The Queen

Medium Level Questions

11. What do MSPs stand for?
    • A) Members of the Scottish Parliament
    • B) Members of the Social Party
    • C) Members of the Senate of the Parliament
    • D) Members of the Scottish Party
12. What is the main function of the UK Parliament?
    • A) To entertain the public
    • B) To make laws and discuss issues
    • C) To run schools
    • D) To manage businesses
13. What is the easiest way to visit the House of Lords?
    • A) Queue on the day
    • B) Write to an MP
    • C) Call the Prime Minister
    • D) Send an email
14. What is the main purpose of visiting the devolved assemblies?
    • A) To watch movies
    • B) To see debates and how laws are made
    • C) To meet celebrities
    • D) To shop
15. Where is the Senedd located?
    • A) Edinburgh
    • B) Cardiff Bay
    • C) Belfast
    • D) London
16. How can you contact for a visit to the Scottish Parliament?
    • A) Email your local MP
    • B) Write to visitor services or call
    • C) Visit a local shop
    • D) Call the Prime Minister
17. What is the Northern Ireland Assembly’s website?
    • A) www.niassembly.gov.uk
    • B) www.northernireland.gov.uk
    • C) www.parliament.uk
    • D) www.wales.gov.uk
18. What are elected members in Wales referred to as?
    • A) AMs
    • B) MPs
    • C) MLAs
    • D) MSPs
19. What is the contact number for the Assembly Booking Service in Wales?
    • A) 0845 010 5500
    • B) 0131 348 5200
    • C) 0207 123 4567
    • D) 0121 654 3210
20. Who can you write to for tickets to visit Parliament?
    • A) Your friends
    • B) Your local MP
    • C) The King
    • D) Your teacher

Hard Level Questions

21. Which of the following is NOT a devolved assembly?
    • A) Scottish Parliament
    • B) Welsh Assembly
    • C) European Parliament
    • D) Northern Ireland Assembly
22. What is one way you can arrange a visit to the Northern Ireland Assembly?
    • A) Write to the Prime Minister
    • B) Contact an MLA
    • C) Go to a local MLA’s office
    • D) Call the Queen
23. How many hours could you expect to queue for the House of Commons?
    • A) 30 minutes
    • B) 1 to 2 hours
    • C) 2 to 3 hours
    • D) No wait
24. What type of events can be observed at the UK Parliament?
    • A) Sports events
    • B) Music concerts
    • C) Debates and discussions
    • D) Cooking shows
25. What does “devolved” refer to in the context of the UK Parliament?
    • A) Power taken away from the Prime Minister
    • B) Power given to local governments
    • C) Power held only in London
    • D) Power given to the monarchy
26. Which assembly is located at Stormont?
    • A) Scottish Parliament
    • B) Northern Ireland Assembly
    • C) Welsh Assembly
    • D) UK Parliament
27. Which elected members meet in Holyrood?
    • A) AMs
    • B) MLAs
    • C) MPs
    • D) MSPs
28. What is the main benefit of visiting the assemblies?
    • A) Shopping opportunities
    • B) Learning about democracy and government
    • C) Free food
    • D) Meeting celebrities
29. Who can give you tickets to watch debates in the House of Lords?
    • A) Your local MP
    • B) The Queen
    • C) A friend
    • D) Your teacher
30. Why might it be easier to enter the House of Lords than the House of Commons?
    • A) Fewer people visit
    • B) It is less interesting
    • C) There are more tickets available
    • D) It is in a different location

Answers and Explanations

Easy Level Answers

1. C) Palace of Westminster
2. C) MPs
3. A) Yes
4. B) Queue on the day
5. C) Edinburgh
6. C) MLAs
7. C) 1 to 2 hours
8. D) Senedd
9. B) sp.bookings@scottish.parliament.uk
10. B) The Education Service

Medium Level Answers

11. A) Members of the Scottish Parliament
12. B) To make laws and discuss issues
13. A) Queue on the day
14. B) To see debates and how laws are made
15. B) Cardiff Bay
16. B) Write to visitor services or call
17. A) www.niassembly.gov.uk
18. A) AMs
19. A) 0845 010 5500
20. B) Your local MP

Hard Level Answers

21. C) European Parliament
22. B) Contact an MLA
23. B) 1 to 2 hours
24. C) Debates and discussions
25. B) Power given to local governments
26. B) Northern Ireland Assembly
27. D) MSPs
28. B) Learning about democracy and government
29. A) Your local MP
30. A) Fewer people visit