Parliament performs three core functions: representing citizens’ interests, making laws and monitoring the actions of the government. It is commonplace for citizens to have a low opinion of parliament and its members and it is important that parliaments seek to promote access to the institution and be transparent in their activities.
Many parliaments host open days to enable citizens to tour the institution, meet staff and MPs and ask questions. The broadcasting of plenary proceedings (often through a dedicated channel and, more recently, online) is another popular parliamentary outreach activity.
Each MP represents a specific constituency and this allows them to respond more quickly to local issues (e.g. closure of a railway station, investment in flood defences, problems with gang violence, the impact of stamp duty on local residents). This can be combined with running advice surgeries where constituents can alert their MP to individual concerns and lobby them on policy.
MPs may have a formal role in their party as a minister, shadow minister or spokesperson for a particular policy area if they are in government; or they may sit on select committees which scrutinise the work of departments and develop proposals for consideration by the full parliament. They also take part in debates and question ministers on behalf of their parties. They also participate in internal party commissions and working groups which develop policy in specific areas. The recent reforms to select committees, including electing chairmen, have led to the development of more active and collaborative committees.