BBC Parliament facts for kids
| Country |  United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Network | BBC |
BBC Parliament is a special television channel from the BBC in the United Kingdom. Its main job is to show what happens in the UK's government, called Parliament. It broadcasts live and recorded meetings from the House of Commons and the House of Lords. These are the two main parts of the UK Parliament where laws are made and discussed.
The channel also shows meetings from other important assemblies in the UK. These include the Northern Ireland Assembly, the Scottish Parliament, and the Welsh Assembly. Sometimes, it even shows events from the General Synod of the Church of England. However, it does not show reports from the European Parliament.
Before the BBC took over the channel, it was known as The Parliamentary Channel. This was from 1992 until 1998.
Contents
What is Parliament?
Parliament is where elected representatives meet to make laws and discuss important issues for the country. In the UK, Parliament has two main parts: the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
The House of Commons
The House of Commons is made up of Members of Parliament (MPs). These MPs are chosen by people across the UK in elections. They represent different areas and speak for the people who voted for them. The main job of the House of Commons is to debate and vote on new laws. It also holds the government accountable for its actions.
The House of Lords
The House of Lords is the second chamber of the UK Parliament. Its members are not elected by the public. Instead, they are appointed because of their experience or position. The House of Lords reviews and improves laws that have been passed by the House of Commons. It can suggest changes to laws, but it usually cannot block them completely.
How to Watch BBC Parliament
BBC Parliament is available on many different TV platforms in the UK. You can find it on Freeview channel 81. If you have Freesat, it's on channel 201. For Sky Digital users, it's on channel 231. If you use Virgin Media, you can watch it on channel 504. You can also watch some of its content online through the BBC website.
Why is BBC Parliament important?
BBC Parliament helps people understand how the government works. It shows debates, questions to ministers, and important statements. This allows citizens to see what their elected representatives are doing. It helps people stay informed about the decisions that affect their lives. The channel aims to be a neutral place to show political events as they happen.
Images for kids
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A robot illustration.
