Constitution Unit publishes guide on the constitutional roles of MPs

Key points:

• MPs have a central role in all democracies, but this is especially so in the UK, given the country’s tradition of ‘parliamentary sovereignty’.
• The election of a new parliament, with many new members, provides a key moment to reflect on the constitutional roles of MPs.

MPs hold a huge and important job, and one which is central to the UK’s constitutional system. But they also have busy lives and numerous pressing demands on their time, which can make it easy to lose sight of the bigger picture.

The Constitution Unit has today published MPs’ Role in the Constitution: A Practical Guide by Professor Meg Russell and Lisa James. The guide – published in collaboration with the Institute for Government and Bingham Centre for the Rule of Law – aims to help MPs navigate their core constitutional functions.

In 10 short sections, supported by ‘key points’ and further reading, the guide discusses the constitutional responsibilities of MPs. Some of these are well known: representing the public, holding the government to account and contributing to the national debating chamber. But other aspects are less often thought about: MPs’ role in upholding standards of political discourse, the essential functions of the opposition and political parties and, crucially, the role of MPs in protecting the constitution and parliament itself.

It is hoped that MPs will find this guide thought-provoking and useful, both as a quick read and a longer-term reference guide.

Key links:

• MPs’ Role in the Constitution: A Practical Guide – read the guide.
• Constitutional Principles and the Health of Democracy – find out more about the project of which this guide is part.