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Get informed + take action = make an impact 1–7 Nov 2021 Secondary School Booklet #UKPW ukparliamentweek.org
welcome to uk parliament week 2021 #ukpw
We hope you and your students enjoy taking
part in this week-long celebration to learn what
democracy is and how you can get involved
with your UK Parliament.
By joining in you’ll get to grips with how you can make
change happen on the issues that really matter to you.
CONTENTS
If you’re able to do even just a little, it will go a long way Get Informed 02
to providing young people with an understanding of
what democracy is, how their UK Parliament works The Two Houses 04
and how they can get their voices heard!
To get started, we’ve put together quick overview Why Do We Need Laws? 06
sections explaining things about UK Parliament,
a range of activities for you to try, and a handy Contact Your MP 08
‘things to do’ checklist at the back of this booklet too.
Learn About The Lords 12
No matter how much time you can dedicate this year,
we’d love to see what you get up to! Share your photos Get Debating 14
and videos on social media using #UKPW to inspire
other people taking part. Take Action 16
Most of all, we hope you and your students
engage, empower and enjoy yourselves in Make Your Mark 18
UK Parliament Week 2021.
3 Things To Do In UKPW 20
The UK Parliament Week team
Sow The Seeds Of Democracy 22
Image credits 5 Days of UKPW Activities 24
Page 4 (left) – ©UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor The Big UK Parliament Week Quiz 26
Page 4 (right) – ©House of Lords 2019/Roger Harris SHARE & FOLLOW
Page 12 – ©UK Parliament 2021 Glossary 28
Page 13 (top) – ©UK Parliament 2021
@YourUKParl
Page 13 (bottom) – ©UK Parliament 2021 @ukparliament
@ukparliament Jargon buster!
Design: blast.co.uk
Use the Glossary on the back pages for
ukparliamentweek.org explanations of UK Parliament terms.
01
uk parliament week #ukpw get informed #ukpw
STUCK FOR LESSON IDEAS? CURRICULUM LINKS
HERE’S A 30-MINUTE LESSON PLAN HISTORY, ENGLISH
Who makes the decisions that affect UK PARLIAMENT BINGO Bingo questions
your daily life? Here’s a handy guide to This activity is a great quick-fire way to share 1. How many countries are represented in UK
UK Parliament’s role in how the UK is run. UK Parliament facts. Parliament? 4 (England, Northern Ireland,
Scotland, Wales)
• Ask each student to divide up a piece
of paper into six boxes 2. How many MPs (or seats) are in the House of
Commons? 650 (each representing a different
• Write up the 12 numbers labelled below as constituency in the UK)
‘UK Parliament in numbers’ and ask students
3. How many Houses are in UK Parliament?
WHAT IS UK PARLIAMENT? to choose six at random, writing one in each
WHAT IS DEVOLUTION? of their boxes until their bingo card is full 2 (House of Commons and House of Lords)
UK Parliament is made up of three parts:
The UK is made up of four countries, England, • Call out a question from the list opposite. Students 4. When was the current Houses of Parliament building
• the House of Commons Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. These put up their hand if they know which number is the completed? 1860 (designed by Sir Charles Barry,
• the House of Lords nations all have their own history and culture. answer. Choose someone to answer from the group. assisted by A.W.N Pugin)
• the monarch The balance of power between them has sometimes Anyone with that number can cross it out on their 5. How old was the youngest MP when they took
been strongly debated and has changed over bingo card their seat? 20 (Mhairi Black, SNP, elected in 2015)
In the House of Commons, you’ll find elected time. Devolution means the transfer of power,
politicians (MPs), representing every constituency • The winner/s are the first to call out bingo when all 6. When was the oldest part of UK Parliament,
and UK Parliament has devolved some of its
across the UK. Members of the House of Lords are numbers on their board are crossed off. Continue Westminster Hall, built? 1097 under William II (Rufus)
decision-making powers to the Northern Ireland
appointed for their experience and expertise in a range until everyone has got bingo
Assembly, the Scottish Parliament and the 7. How old was the youngest member of the House of
of professions. The third part of UK Parliament is the Senedd Cymru/Welsh Parliament. Lords when appointed? 36 (Lord Wharton of Yarm,
monarch (king or queen). Although their role is mainly
Conservative, appointed in September 2020)
ceremonial, the monarch agrees to every new law. What powers have been ‘devolved’?
8. How many bells are in Elizabeth Tower?
Devolution bases decision making closer to the UK Parliament in numbers
5 (the largest of which is commonly called Big Ben)
WHAT DOES UK PARLIAMENT DO? people the decisions affect. Health, education, Prepare these numbers on a sheet or the board
housing and transport are some of the areas 9. How many members of the Government are there?
The work of UK Parliament falls into three areas: for students to pick from.
that have been devolved but each nation has Around 120 (made up of members drawn from
1. to represent people’s interests, making sure a different agreement. 1, 2, 4, 5, 20, 36, 120, 650, 800, 1097, 1860, 1918 both Houses)
the government considers the public’s views
10. H
ow many members are in the House of Lords?
2. to make laws, the government can’t make new Around 800 (appointed for experience
laws or raise new taxes without UK Parliament’s and knowledge)
agreement, and SUMMARY IN A SNAPSHOT 11. In which year did some women first get the vote?
3. to check and challenge the work of government Get up to speed in 60 seconds! 1918 (after the Representation of the People Act
and to hold them to account. 1918 was passed)
The UK Parliament is all MPs, all members
of the House of Lords and the monarch. 12. How many Speakers are there in the House of
WHAT IS THE GOVERNMENT? Commons? 1 (elected by the House and with
The Government is some MPs and some members three deputies who can step in when needed)
When you hear the phrase, ‘the government’, of the House of Lords who have been chosen
what we’re really talking about is: by the Prime Minister to be ministers.
• the Prime Minister The House of Commons has 650 members known
• the Cabinet and junior ministers as MPs. The House of Lords has 800 members MAKE IT REAL
known as members of the House of Lords. Instead of using the numbers above, play bingo
After a general election, the political party with the
most MPs elected forms the government. The leader The Government has 120 ministers who can with a real debate on parliamentlive.tv. Prepare
of this party becomes the Prime Minister. They choose be from either House. in advance by choosing numbers, words and
members of both Houses to become ministers, in phrases from the debate for your class to spot.
charge of managing the UK.
02 03
uk parliament week #ukpw the two houses #ukpw
HOW DID PARLIAMENT BEGIN? STUCK FOR LESSON IDEAS?
How UK Parliament works today is very different from HERE’S A 30-MINUTE
how it worked when it first began. Hundreds of years
ago the king had complete power and could make
LESSON PLAN
whatever laws and rules he liked. This brought him
There are two Houses in UK Parliament, the House into conflict with other powerful leaders in England.
WARM UP ACTIVITY 5 MIN
In 1215, King John was forced to agree to Magna Carta
of Commons and the House of Lords. Look at the (the Great Charter), a set of demands which limited
Use the two images on page 4. Put your students
into two groups: the House of Commons or the
pictures to find out who’s who in each House. the monarch’s power. This important document details
House of Lords. Ask the groups to think of three
how the monarch must obey the law and recognise the
facts about the picture and the text they have,
rights of others. By agreeing to Magna Carta, King John
i.e. the House of Lords ‘has around 800 members,
had agreed to share some of his powers and therefore
has red benches, etc’.
Parliament was born.
As the centuries went by Parliament grew into
THE HOUSE OF COMMONS THE HOUSE OF LORDS a permanent institution which the monarch had MAIN ACTIVITY 22 MIN
to consult before making decisions. At first, it was
made up only of powerful nobles but as time went on Task 1:
some ‘commoners’ were also brought into Parliament. Read the story, ‘How did Parliament begin?’
These commoners weren’t noble lords, but many were (see left).
wealthy and had made their fortunes from trading, Task 2:
banking and other kinds of business. Take a 360° tour of the House of Commons and
Reforms followed reforms, and over a long time the House of Lords Chambers with your students.
UK Parliament has changed. Today it has evolved Challenge them to add more information to their
so that everyone can have a say in how the UK list of facts.
is run and who runs it.
1. Ministers 1. Government
Ministers speak for the government from the These benches are made up of members who represent
frontbenches in debates and answer questions the governing party.
from MPs of all political parties.
2. Government Front Bench
REFLECTION 3 MIN
2. The Speaker This is where ministers and government spokespeople sit. Regroup and recap: discuss how many parts there
The Speaker is an MP who’s been elected by the other are in UK Parliament and what they are. Can they
3. Lord Speaker
MPs to act as Chair when debates take place in the remember a fact about each part?
The Lord Speaker chairs the business in the Chamber
House of Commons. Their job is to make sure that
and is elected by other members. They are politically
the rules are being followed and debates are orderly.
unbiased, so are able to make decisions impartially.
3. Government Benches
4. Crossbenchers
CURRICULUM LINKS
MPs from the governing party sit on the benches
to the right of the Speaker.
These members are independent of the main
political parties. HISTORY, ENGLISH, PHSE
4. Backbenchers
5. Opposition
These are MPs who are not government ministers
Members from the main Opposition party and other
or opposition shadow spokespeople. They play an
parties sit on the benches opposite the government.
important role during debates by checking and
challenging ministers with lots of questions.
5. Opposition Benches
This is where MPs from political parties other than
the governing party sit. These benches are opposite
the government benches.
04 05
uk parliament week #ukpw why do we need laws? #ukpw
FILM AND VIDEO GAME STUCK FOR LESSON IDEAS?
CLASSIFICATION CERTIFICATES HERE’S A 35-MINUTE LESSON PLAN
WARM UP ACTIVITY 10 MIN
In pairs, ask students to discuss some of the
rules they have to follow and why they think these
rules are important. Give them 5 minutes to chat
amongst themselves and write down some of the
LAWS ARE MADE TO: HOW DO LAWS AFFECT US? rules they know on sticky notes.
• Make things fair and give everyone There are lots of different laws that affect people’s lives.
Regroup and ask them to name a few that they think
access to equal rights Some laws have been written to protect animals, others
are really important. How many can they think of?
are there to make sure everyone can stay safe. There are
• Keep us safe and protect us
even laws that have been created especially with young
• Make sure people behave so they people in mind.
don’t hurt themselves or others
MAIN ACTIVITY 20 MIN
These certificates help adults know what type of content Task 1: Explain that laws are like rules.
• Solve conflicts (fights)
ANIMAL RIGHTS to expect and who it’s appropriate for. For example, a Read ‘Why do we need laws’ on page 6.
Laws can protect people and make things fairer. Rules certificate usually displays a recommended age as a Write up each of the following bullet points on
are similar to laws, but they usually only affect a small minimum. You might be familiar with labels like: U, PG, sticky notes and stick them on the wall as four
group of people like classroom rules or the rules of 12, 15 and 18. This lets people know whether a film or video different headings.
a game, but laws can affect us all. game is safe for younger audiences to watch, so they
don’t get upset or distressed by what they see or hear. • Make things fair and give everyone access
Laws are made in UK Parliament. MPs and members
to equal rights
of the House of Lords debate and vote on ideas for
new laws to make sure they are the best they can be. • Keep us safe and protect us
If people break the law, then they are doing something
KNIFE CRIME • Make sure people behave so they
illegal and they might have to pay a fine, or even go don’t hurt themselves or others
to prison.
• Solve conflicts (fights)
Anyone who is cruel to an animal or who has not looked Task 2: Ask your students to think of the purpose
after it properly may be banned from owning animals, of the rules they mentioned in the warm up task.
fined or even sent to prison. This is not just for pets but Then get them to stick their notes under one of
for any animal. It means they have the right to be properly the four headings it fits best.
cared for and protected from pain and suffering.
REFLECTION 5 MIN
CLEAN AIR AND POLLUTION Ask your students to look at the headings.
Can they think of any laws that they know about?
Which heading would they fit under?
To tackle the rise in knife crime, particularly amongst Use sticky notes to add them under the headings.
young people, laws have been strengthened. The
Here’s a few ideas to get you started; social media
Offensive Weapons Act was passed in 2020 and
age restrictions, wearing seat belts in a vehicle,
introduced restrictions on the sale and possession of
5p plastic bags, no texting while driving, treating
knives. It is an offence to possess an offensive weapon,
everyone equally (especially women, LGBT+ people,
like a knife, in a public place or on school premises.
BAME people and people with disabilities).
These laws help to control lots of environmental issues So, you see we have laws in a wide range of areas that CURRICULUM LINKS
like the air we breathe, noise, water and atmospheric help to protect our rights and keep us safe. Laws can
pollution as well as waste on land. It also includes affect how people behave and they also tell us what ENGLISH, PHSE
reducing emissions from homes, farming, industry we shouldn’t do because it isn’t right or fair. And this
and transport like cars. is very important for everyone!
06 07
uk parliament week #ukpw contact your mp #ukpw
You can contact your MP on the issues you care
about to get your voice heard in UK Parliament.
MPs are elected by voters in their constituency to
represent their issues and concerns in the House
of Commons. TOP TIPS HOW YOU CAN MAKE CHANGE HAPPEN
Meet the teenagers who lobbied for change in ‘sexist’ A-level courses.
MPs can raise issues that affect their constituents by
making speeches, questioning government ministers
DO... give your MP time to reply. They’re busy
juggling their time between their constituency
or by openly supporting and highlighting particular
and their job in the House of Commons, so it may
campaigns which their constituents feel strongly about.
take a little while for them to get in touch. But it’s JESSY MCCABE JUNE ERIC-UDORIE
OK to follow up if you don’t hear back.
WAYS TO ENGAGE WITH YOUR MP In 2015, the UK government announced changes 17-year-old June Eric-Udorie led a national
Get in touch with your MP by: DON’T... rant. Your MP is your representative to Music A-Level. Jessy McCabe started a petition campaign against changes to the Politics syllabus.
in the UK Parliament so building a positive calling for more women to be represented in
• Writing an email or a letter Having seen the successful campaign led by Jessy
relationship is more likely to move your issue exams after she discovered there were no women
McCabe, June was inspired to get feminism added
• Speaking to your MP face-to-face or online up the agenda. amongst the 63 composers featured on the
back in to the A-level Politics syllabus, after it had
Edexcel A-level Music syllabus.
• Following them on social media been removed from the curriculum in 2015. It listed
The 17-year-old led a successful campaign and only one woman out of 16 key thinkers that would
Writing is a great way to contact your MP
women composers were put on the A-level Music be essential for students to study.
and is a written record which can be looked
syllabus for the first time!
at later. June wrote articles for the press, was interviewed
on the radio and started a petition which gained
Before you contact your MP, you should: around 50,000 signatures.
• Have a clear explanation of what you’re She also took her campaign directly to
trying to achieve UK Parliament, contacting her local MP and
lobbying her to hold a parliamentary debate.
• Do some research and find facts that
will help support your campaign The debate, alongside June’s broader campaign,
resulted in the government withdrawing the
• Think about how your issue fits with
proposed changes, and announcing women
your MP’s policy interests
and feminism would be included in the syllabus.
• Have ideas of why you want your MP
to be involved
WHO’S YOUR MP?
• Think about what actions you would
Visit the MPs and Lords webpage to find out:
like your MP to take
08 09
uk parliament week #ukpw contact your mp #ukpw
HOW TO WRITE TO YOUR MP WHERE TO FIND IN A HURRY?
OR A MEMBER OF THE HOUSE CONTACT DETAILS HERE’S A QUICK OVERVIEW
OF LORDS To find email addresses, visit the MPs and Follow these quick tips for writing to your
Lords webpage. MP or a member of the House of Lords:
1. Make it personal
2. Be clear and persuasive
3. Explain what you want them to do
4. Add your full address with postcode
Use the MPs and Lords You can write to your MP at House of Commons,
webpage to find out how London, SW1A 0AA, and to a member of the House
to address your MP or the of Lords at House of Lords, London, SW1A 0PW.
member of the House of
Lords you’re writing to.
Dear [Title] [Name]
My name is [add your name here] and
I am writing to you today about [issue]. Start your email or letter with
a quick introduction before
This matter is very important to me outlining the topic.
because [explain your reasons/add WHAT DO MEMBERS Members of the House of Lords use their specialist
knowledge and expertise to carry out their role.
facts or events if applicable]. OF PARLIAMENT DO?
Explain what interests or Here’s a quick guide to some of the things
I would like you to [describe the MPs split their time between working in UK Parliament
worries you about the matter MPs and members of the House of Lords do:
actions you want them to take]. itself, working in their constituency and working for their
and what you’d like them
political party.
to do about it. You could
I look forward to hearing from you. include personal experience
of the issue or explain how
Yours sincerely, the matter impacts your
[Your name]
wider community. IN THE CONSTITUENCY IN SELECT COMMITTEES
[Add your full address with postcode] Most MPs hold regular sessions called Select committees are groups of MPs or
Explain why having ‘surgeries’ where they meet constituents members of the House of Lords set up to
them on board adds to talk about issues of concern. If you investigate specific issues. Committees are
value to the campaign. go to a constituency surgery, it’s best to a way for Members to hold the government
This helps set the tone contact your MP’s office first, to find out to account and influence public policy on
for a positive discussion. whether you need an appointment. the issues you care about.
IN THE CHAMBERS IN ALL-PARTY GROUPS
MPs and members of the House of Lords All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs)
can ask government ministers questions are informal, cross-party groups formed
on your behalf or support and highlight by MPs and members of the House of Lords
particular campaigns which you feel focusing on different policy areas. They’re
strongly about. They attend debates not official parliamentary committees but
and vote on new laws, and MPs can raise APPGs can be influential because of their
issues affecting their constituents. non-partisan approach.
10 11
uk parliament week #ukpw learn about the lords #ukpw
LORD JOHN BIRD:
CROSSBENCH LIFE PEER,
APPOINTED IN 2015
John Bird grew up in a disadvantaged family in London,
and experienced homelessness for the first time aged
just 5 years old. He spent the next 15 years in children’s
WHAT DO MEMBERS OF THE WHO ARE THE MEMBERS? homes and on the streets.
HOUSE OF LORDS DO? Members of the House of Lords come from He spent time in prison during his teens and early
all walks of life. Many are made members twenties, where as well as learning how to read and
Members of the House of Lords ask questions,
because of their professional experience write, he was also introduced to the basics of printing.
debate important issues and examine and suggest
and specialist knowledge.
changes to plans for new laws. When John was in his forties he co-founded the
They are called ‘Life peers’ because they can be homeless charity magazine, The Big Issue.
Many members have professional knowledge in
members of the House of Lords their whole life.
areas such as education and health. They can use Today, it is published in numerous cities in the UK and
Although many members of the House of Lords
this experience to check that the detail in plans around the world. It is sold on the streets by people
have worked in politics, there are others that have
for new laws makes sense, is fair and will work for who are homeless or vulnerably housed.
experience of different jobs.
different groups of people.
There are doctors, soldiers, scientists, writers, John became a Crossbench Life peer in 2015. He uses
If they think a plan for a new law could be his experience and expertise on issues like poverty
teachers, police officers, athletes and many other
improved, they suggest changes. prevention, social business and literacy.
professionals in the House of Lords.
BARONESS FLOELLA BENJAMIN: BARONESS TANNI GREY-THOMPSON:
LIBERAL DEMOCRAT LIFE PEER, CROSSBENCH LIFE PEER,
APPOINTED IN 2010 APPOINTED IN 2010
Baroness Benjamin has appeared on stage, film, Tanni’s love for sport began at an early age. When she
radio and television and has been in show business was 13 she realised that wheelchair racing was her sport
for 50 years. of choice. She started competing as a junior athlete, won
the junior national title and went on to join the British
Her acting career began in 1970 and since then she’s
Wheelchair Racing Squad when she was just 17 years old.
appeared in countless successful West End shows and
pantomimes like Puss in Boots, Aladdin and Peter Pan. Since then she’s broken 30 World Records! Her first
She became a household name when she appeared World Record was when she became the first woman
in the iconic children’s programmes Playschool and to break the 60 second barrier for 400m in Barcelona
PlayAway in the 70s and 80s. in 1992.
She’s also written over 30 children’s books. Her It didn’t stop there, her tally of Paralympic medals stack
bestselling book ‘Coming to England’, recounts how up at 11 gold, four silver and one bronze and that doesn’t
she and her family moved to England from their home include the five gold, four silver and three bronze medals
in Trinidad. she won at the World Championships.
Floella has won lots of awards for her work, including Tanni became a Crossbench Life peer in the House
a BAFTA. Today she is a Life peer in the House of Lords of Lords in 2010. Here she uses her experience and
and supports projects focussed on the welfare, care knowledge in debates. She’s spoken on a range of
and education of children throughout the world. issues including disability rights, welfare reform,
and of course, sport!
She uses her skills and expertise from working in TV
and film to help the House of Lords shape laws and
speaks on issues about women, diversity, media and
the arts.
12 13
uk parliament week #ukpw get debating #ukpw
STUCK FOR LESSON IDEAS? HOW TO RUN A DEBATE
HERE’S A 30-MINUTE LESSON PLAN This handy list breaks down each stage
of a debating session.
HAVE A DEBATE Get in to teams of three
Debating is one of the most important roles of UK Parliament, Hold a debate about an issue that you care about. • Seat two teams together, one team debating
Have a vote at the end to see which arguments have ‘for’ the other team debating ‘against’
it enables MPs and members of the House of Lords to examine
been most persuasive. • Have a timekeeper to make sure everyone has the
and challenge the work of the Government so it remains
same amount of time to get their points across
accountable – this is known as ‘scrutiny’. Not sure what to debate?
The ‘for’ team goes first. The first speaker
Find a for and against argument or choose any
from their team must:
of these topics and get debating:
• Define or explain any key words
• The voting age in general elections should be
In UK Parliament, MPs and members of the House of Lords Here are some of the varied topics that MPs and lowered to 16 • Introduce the team’s argument in favour of the topic or issue
use debates to discuss topics, hear different points of view members of the House of Lords have debated:
and check and challenge the work of the Government. • Children should have more say over their • Begin the debate
• The amount of money that should be spent on education
They also listen to people’s real-life experiences to different issues like climate change The ‘against’ team goes next. The first speaker
think about how laws are working and whether they • Access to the internet should be free at home from their team must:
• Whether the voting age should be lowered for every student
could be improved.
• Whether we should send soldiers to fight in • Define or explain any key words
Participating in debates is a core part of the work • Animal testing is scientifically unnecessary
other countries • Introduce the team’s argument against
of an MP or a member of the House of Lords. • We should support a human mission to Mars
• The UK’s relationship with the European Union the topic or issue being debated
As well as debating Government proposals and topics • Bullies should be excluded from schools
suggested by the Opposition, MPs can raise the • How child refugees should be looked after • Rebuttal – they will put forward a set of reasons
concerns of their own constituents. At every debate if they arrive in the UK without their parents • Make universities free for everybody why the ‘for’ team’s argument is wrong
a Government minister must be present to listen • Create more green spaces in all cities The second speakers from both teams take
and respond to the points made.
their turns next. They will:
More topics you could debate:
• Continue their team’s points for or against and rebut
• Child poverty or try to disprove the other team’s argument
• Climate emergency
The third speakers from each team go last. They will:
• Mental health
• Continue to rebut the opposition’s debate
• Hate crime
• Conclude the debate, by summarising points
• Disability rights in favour of their team’s argument
• Digital exclusion
• Plastic pollution
DEBATING OVER?
• Human rights
Hold a vote at the end of your debate to see
which team had the most persuasive argument.
CURRICULUM LINKS Copy the ballot papers on page 19 or download
ballot papers from the website to experience how
ENGLISH, PHSE secret voting works in UK elections and use the
ballot box in your UKPW kit to cast your vote.
14 15
uk parliament week #ukpw take action #ukpw
2. GIVE EVIDENCE TO A 3. SPEAK TO YOUR MP
SELECT COMMITTEE FACE-TO-FACE
The House of Commons and House of Lords both set Your MP is your representative in UK Parliament,
up select committees to hold inquiries into all sorts regardless of your age or whether you voted for them.
of issues such as artificial intelligence (AI), children Building a positive relationship with them can help
Empower your students to get their voices and the internet, racism in football, sustainable get the issues you care about on their agenda.
fashion and mental health.
heard on issues they care about. Most MPs usually hold regular sessions called
Select committees may call for written evidence for surgeries where they meet constituents to talk
their inquiries. This means anyone with expertise or about issues of concern.
experience of the issue can submit written evidence
Before you head off to your local MP’s office,
online. Some people or groups may be invited to
think about what you’re going to say. Make sure
give evidence to the committee in person.
you clearly and succinctly explain what your
Your lived experience may provide valuable insight campaign or issue is, providing evidence which
1. START OR SIGN AN E-PETITION WANT TO START AN E-PETITION? into a select committee inquiry. Follow select demonstrates why it’s important.
committees online at committees.parliament.uk
E-petitions are a powerful way for people to gain Here’s how to submit, publish and promote an If you want to go to a constituency surgery,
and you may be able to raise the profile of
support for something they feel strongly about, e-petition in six easy steps: it’s best to contact your MP’s office first,
your issue through a relevant inquiry.
and to try to get UK Parliament to do something to find out whether you need an appointment.
1. Write your petition. Your petition must be A robot named Pepper was the first AI to appear Your MP’s website will have information about
about an issue.
about something the Government or UK Parliament before a select committee to answer MPs’ questions constituency surgeries.
Any petition with more than 10,000 signatures is responsible for. about helping to care for older people. If an AI
will get a response from the Government. Can’t get to your local MP’s office? Why not
2. Submit your petition online at: petition.parliament.uk could do it, so you can you! What topic would
A response will be a statement, published ask if they can meet you online?
you want to put before a select committee?
online, outlining the Government’s position. 3. Gather support. You’ll need to give the details of members.parliament.uk
five people who support your petition before it’s committees.parliament.uk
Any petition that gets more than 100,000 signatures
published online.
can be recommended by the Petitions Committee
for a debate in UK Parliament. 4. Your petition is checked. UK Parliament staff
will check your petition to make sure it meets the
standards for petitions. Sometimes a petition might
get rejected, but this doesn’t mean UK Parliament or
the Government disagree with it. Most of the time it’s
because a similar petition already exists and rather
than splitting support for a cause across multiple
petitions, petitioners are directed to sign the
existing petition. Voting makes a difference. Make sure you get your
4. MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT voice heard in a UK general election by registering
5. Your petition is published online,
ready to collect signatures. Voting in general elections is one way lots to vote at gov.uk/register-to-vote
of people can make their voice heard.
6. Share and promote your petition through
social media to gain support. People in the UK who are at least 18 years old
and are registered to vote, can vote in a general
election for the candidate they want to represent
EXAMPLES OF E-PETITION TOPICS them in the House of Commons.
• Cancel A-level and GCSE exams in 2022 You don’t have to wait until you’re 18 to register
• End child food poverty – no child should to vote. In England, Scotland and Wales you can
go hungry register to vote in general elections at 16, and
at 17 in Northern Ireland.
• Do not restrict our rights to peaceful protest
The turnout by registered voters aged 18-24
• Ensure student nurses are paid whilst on placement dropped to 47% in the 2019 general election,
from 64% in the 2017 General Election,
so don’t let your vote go to waste!
16 17uk parliament week #ukpw make your mark #ukpw
Place an ‘X’ in one box only Place an ‘X’ in one box only
Voting is an important way to take part in democracy in the UK.
Through voting, people choose who represents them in the
House of Commons, local councils and devolved legislatures.
Here’s a guide to holding a vote with your students.
HOLD AN ELECTION
MAKE IT REAL
Make enough copies of the ballot papers (see page 19)
so that everyone can cast their vote. Use the ballot box Have you and your students heard about the UK
included in your kit to bring the election to life. Youth Parliament? There are lots of ways to get
involved including standing to become an elected
• Split your class into different ‘parties’ Member of the Youth Parliament (MYP).
• Tell each party to ‘canvas for votes’. This means The UK Youth Parliament is open to 11-18 year olds
trying to convince the rest of the group to vote and aims to bring about social change through
for their party meaningful youth representation and campaigning.
• They can write manifestos to show what issues are Find out more:
important to them or give a speech about why they byc.org.uk/uk/uk-youth-parliament
are the right candidate to vote for
If some students don’t want to be part of the race itself,
they could form a polling station team, responsible for Place an ‘X’ in one box only Place an ‘X’ in one box only
creating a private space for votes, putting up ‘polling
station’ signs, creating the polling register and making
sure the vote and count runs smoothly.
If everybody is working in the party teams you
could enforce a rule that you can’t vote for your
own team – this will make it more of a surprise
to find out who has won!
MAKE IT REAL HOLD A REFERENDUM
Young people can register to vote from 14 or 16 A referendum is when an entire electorate is invited
depending on where they live in the UK. You can to vote on a particular proposal. It can have nationwide
register to vote at gov.uk/registertovote or local impact. Why not hold a school referendum?
Remember, there are different rules in each nation. Ask your students to vote for something that will affect
them. Or they could vote for a charity they would like to
fundraise for, an issue they would like to raise with their
MP or a campaign they want to run.
18 19uk parliament week #ukpw 3 things to do in ukpw #ukpw
3. MAKE A CAMPAIGN VIDEO
CAMPAIGN VIDEO IN A SNAPSHOT
Video is a powerful way to get your message heard.
To make a short video all you need is something Here’s how you could plan scenes for your
to film with, like a smartphone, tablet or camera. campaign video:
Want to try something different? Here are some There are lots of apps and tools online to help you Scene 1 – What’s the problem?
edit, add music or special effects too!
ideas to get your students involved and inspired Whether you’re passionate about disability rights,
Talk about how the problem you’re working to fix.
Scene 2 – What needs to happen?
during UKPW. want to speak out about racism or you’re looking to
combat climate change, a video can raise awareness Explain how the changes you’re campaigning
of issues you care about. for will make a difference.
Once you’ve figured out what you want to say, Scene 3 – Call to action
pick up your smartphone and start filming – lights,
camera, action! Be direct and let the audience know exactly
1. SOW THE SEEDS OF DEMOCRACY 2. CREATE: A CHANGE MAKER what you want them to do.
Find printable bunting online at ukparliamentweek.org.
Turn to page 22 to find out why we’ve included chilli PORTRAIT OR COMIC STRIP Use the bunting as a prop in your campaign video
seeds in your UKPW kit but they are a great way
Change makers are people who spot something is unfair to attract attention.
to mark UKPW and bring your students together.
Here is a handy guide to make sure your chillies bloom: and work hard to make change happen. They often
run campaigns, start petitions, or even speak up to tell
• Fill an empty yoghurt pot, egg carton or small pot with their own story. UK Parliament must listen and respond.
compost and press down gently. Place your seeds into
the surface 5cm apart. Cover with a sprinkle of compost 1. Pick an influential change maker from the resources
and water carefully hub on learning.parliament.uk/en/resources.
There are packs under different themes – Black
• Cover your pot with a small plastic bag or cling History, Disability History, LGBT+ History and
film – this will create a mini-greenhouse Women’s History
• Place the pot near a sunny window where it will 2. Tell the change maker’s short, five-minute story
receive plenty of light to the class
Step 4
• Check the pots every day. Keep just moist but 3. Talk about what happened in the story and why 5 EASY STEPS TO CREATING
do not overwater! Repetition, repetition, repetition – but this
(prompts are included in each pack) A POWERFUL CAMPAIGN VIDEO doesn’t mean saying the same word over and over.
• S eedlings should appear within 2–3 weeks. When they 4. EITHER get creative by producing a portrait to go Whether you’ve made videos before, or this is Think about different ways to reinforce the main
have produced several leaves carefully move into with the story. You can see example portraits from your first time, here are some handy tips to get message of your campaign.
bigger individual pots and place where the plant illustrators in the change maker packs you started:
will receive plenty of sunlight
5. OR divide a piece of paper into eight squares Step 5
Step 1
• Only water when the compost becomes dry. When and use the story to inspire a comic strip retelling End with a call to action. Tell people what action
the plants produce flowers make sure insects can of what happened Have a clear, overarching message. Think about
you want them to take.
visit to pollinate or they will not produce your chillies! the key message you want people to take away.
Step 2
Focus your attention on the heart of that message
to create a memorable slogan. A good slogan will
inspire people to get involved and take action.
Step 3
Tell a story. Make sure it’s a clear and concise
narrative. Use everyday words – if you use jargon
people might feel confused or excluded. Make
sure to do your research so you can use facts
and figures to back up your story.
20 21TAKE ACTION TO GROW
It will take time and nurturing for your chilli • Connect with your local MP or a member
plant to become fully grown. The same is of the House of Lords to raise awareness
true of your students’ campaign. Social or legal of the issues you care about
change rarely happens quickly and can take lots
• Start a petition online at
of time and effort. Just like a plant grows leaves
petition.parliament.uk
and begins to flower, students need to attract
Sow and nurture the chilli seeds in your UKPW kit and watch attention to their campaign. • Submit evidence to a select committee
them grow, while your students take their first steps Now is the time to take democratic action.
to make change happen through democratic action. Your students could contact the local MP,
start or sign a petition or submit evidence
to a select committee.
Your students can spread the word about their
campaign through debates, campaign videos
In your UKPW kit you’ll find a pack of seeds and people we want to represent us in UK Parliament. or social media to grow supporters and build
you’re probably wondering what that’s got to do However, for democracy to thrive we should all a collective voice on the issue.
with UK Parliament? exercise our power by engaging with UK Parliament
year-round no matter what age we are and not just
Well, it’s a unique way for your students to think
when there is an election. The best way to engage
about their relationship with democracy and how
is to grow campaigns which bring about change
they can make change happen on the issues they
on issues that matter to you.
care about.
Just like growing your seeds, a thriving democracy
Democracy means that power is held by people,
takes time, patience and perseverance.
in the UK we exercise that power by voting for the
TAKE ACTION TO SOW TAKE ACTION TO BLOOM
Just as every oak tree starts from a tiny acorn, • Research and learn about the issue The end result of everyone’s hard work! • Share your success on social media
big changes start from planting a small idea you want to campaign on For your plant, this will mean chillies you can
• Keep raising awareness
and watching it grow. A campaign idea might pick and use in your favourite recipes but for
• Raise awareness with the people you know
come from an experience that the students have your students’ campaign it can mean a few • Contact local or national press with
had, something they think is unfair and could be • Seek out groups interested in your cause different things. your story
improved or be linked to an issue that’s really
important to them. Some campaigns will end with a change in the
law, others will lead to clarity of a policy,
Like the sowing of a seed, plant the roots of a petition debate, the launch of a select
the campaign by researching and formulating committee inquiry, behaviour change or
ideas. Students might share what they’ve learnt simply greater public awareness.
about an issue with their friends, families or the
local community. Students could connect with Students will learn that taking action on the
groups that have similar views and start gathering issues they care about allows democracy to
support for their campaign. flourish by ensuring that their interests are
represented in UK Parliament.uk parliament week #ukpw 5 days of ukpw activities #ukpw
DAY 3 DISCUSS AND DEBATE
Start a conversation:
• Watch a debate on parliamentlive.tv
Challenge yourself to try something new each day during UKPW. • Choose a cause and create a for and against
Explore how UK Parliament works, find out about the House of argument using persuasive language and facts
Commons and the House of Lords and discover how you can get • Use the ballot box in your UKPW kit to
your voice heard. hold a vote on issues that matter to you
DAY 1 LEARN ABOUT DAY 4 GET IN TOUCH WITH AN MP
YOUR UK PARLIAMENT OR MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF LORDS
Explore our engaging educational resources: Connect with your MP or members of the House of Lords:
• Take a 360° virtual tour of UK Parliament • Find out who your MP is
• Play the interactive game ‘MP for a week’ • Write to your MP or a member of the
and see what day-to-day life in politics is like: House of Lords
learning.parliament.uk
• Invite your MP to talk at your school
• Work through the lesson plans in this booklet in person or online
DAY 2 DISCOVER DEMOCRACY DAY 5 SOW THE SEEDS
Empower future voters: OF DEMOCRACY
• Start or sign an e-petition Show how small actions can lead to big change:
• Check out open select committee inquiries • Plant your chilli seeds with your class
and give evidence on issues you’ve experienced
• Discuss the issues you’re passionate about
• Take the Big UK Parliament Quiz on page 26
• Make a campaign video to raise awareness
to test your students’ knowledge
of your cause
24 25uk parliament week #ukpw the big uk parliament week quiz #ukpw
HOW OLD DO YOU NEED WHAT IS A PETITION? 1. 18-YEARS OLD 12. M
EMBERS OF THE HOUSE
TO BE TO VOTE IN A OF LORDS WHO ARE NOT
2. DEBATE THE BIG ISSUES OF THE MEMBERS OF POLITICAL
GENERAL ELECTION? DAY, SCRUTINISE THE WORK OF PARTIES
THE GOVERNMENT AND HELP
NAME ONE THING MEMBERS WHAT DOES MP STAND FOR? MAKE AND AMEND LAWS 13. CHAMBERS
OF THE HOUSE OF LORDS DO?
3. PRIME MINISTER 14. I F YOU DON’T KNOW YOU
CAN FIND YOUR LOCAL MP AT
4. T O ELECT AN MP TO REPRESENT MEMBERS.PARLIAMENT.UK
WHAT IS THE LEADER OF A SYSTEM WHERE PEOPLE
THEIR CONSTITUENCY IN THE
THE GOVERNMENT CALLED? HAVE THE RIGHT TO VOTE FOR
HOUSE OF COMMONS
WHO RUNS THE COUNTRY IS
DEFINED AS A _________? 5. THE HOUSE OF COMMONS,
THE HOUSE OF LORDS AND
WHY DO PEOPLE VOTE AT CAN YOU NAME THE THREE THE MONARCH
GENERAL ELECTIONS? DEVOLVED PARLIAMENTS/
6. 650
ASSEMBLIES?
7. THE SPEAKER
HOW DID YOU DO?
WHAT ARE THE WHO SITS ON THE
8. A COLLECTION OF SIGNATURES 0–5
THREE PARTS OF THE CROSSBENCHES IN
CALLING FOR CHANGE OR ood effort, why not go over some
G
UK PARLIAMENT? THE HOUSE OF LORDS?
AN ACTION activities and see if you can score higher?
9. MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT 6 – 10
HOW MANY MPS WHAT ARE THE MAIN ROOMS
ARE THERE? OF THE TWO HOUSES CALLED? ell done! You’ve worked hard and paid
W
10. DEMOCRACY attention, why not look back at a few
areas you can get even more clued up on.
11. NORTHERN IRELAND ASSEMBLY,
11 – 15
WHO CHAIRS DEBATES IN WHO IS YOUR LOCAL MP? SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT, SENEDD
T hat’s amazing! You’ve worked very hard
THE HOUSE OF COMMONS? CYMRU/WELSH PARLIAMENT and it shows. You really know your stuff
about UK Parliament!
26 27uk parliament week #ukpw glossary #ukpw
ACT OF PARLIAMENT ELECTION LORD SPEAKER SURGERY
A Bill passed by UK Parliament The voting process to select a person The person who oversees the work of the The time when an MP is available to meet
that becomes a law. for a public position. House of Lords in the Chamber, guiding with constituents at their local office.
and helping debates move on.
BALLOT GENERAL ELECTION ROYAL ASSENT
A way of secret voting. When MPs are elected to the House MANIFESTO The king or queen’s agreement to make
of Commons to represent each of the The aims and intentions set by a political a Bill into an Act of Parliament.
BARONESS 650 UK constituencies. party and its plans to achieve those goals.
A female member of the House of Lords. WHIPS
GOVERNMENT MP MPs or members of the House of Lords who
BILL Usually formed by the party that gains A Member of Parliament (specifically are chosen by each party in UK Parliament
Proposed legislation (law) which is under the most seats in the House of Commons a member of the House of Commons). to organise their own members’ contribution
consideration by UK Parliament. at a general election. to parliamentary business.
OPPOSITION
CHAMBER HANSARD The political parties who didn’t gain enough
The House of Commons and the House Full written report of what’s said in UK seats in the House of Commons to form CAN’T FIND THE MEANING
of Lords each have a Chamber. These are Parliament which is published online daily. a government after a general election. FOR A WORD?
the rooms where they meet, debate and Explore more terms on the UK Parliament
make decisions. HOUSE OF COMMONS PARLIAMENT Glossary page.
The publicly elected chamber of UK In the UK, this is made up of the House
parliament.uk/site-information/glossary
CONSTITUENCY Parliament where MPs debate the big of Commons, the House of Lords and
An area in the UK that an MP is political issues of the day, proposals the monarch.
elected to represent. for new laws and scrutinise the work
of the Government. PETITION
DEVOLUTION A collection of signatures calling
The decentralisation of power from HOUSE OF LORDS for change or an action.
central government. For example, the The second chamber of UK Parliament
powers transferred to the Northern Ireland where members debate the big issues PRIME MINISTER
Assembly, the Scottish Parliament, and of the day, scrutinise the work of the The leader of the Government.
the Senedd Cymru/Welsh Parliament Government and make and amend laws.
by UK Parliament. SELECT COMMITTEE
LEGISLATION A parliamentary committee set up to look
The process of law making; a set of laws. into specific issues through inquiries.
DEMOCRACY
The system of government based on LOBBY SPEAKER
belief in freedom and equality between Working to influence the decision of an MP The person who chairs debates in the House
people, in which power is either held or member of the House of Lords on politics of Commons, calls MPs to speak and keeps
by elected representatives or directly or legislation is called lobbying. order in the Chamber.
by the people themselves.
28 295 things to do in #UKPW
HOPUKPW21/SECOND
Play the ‘MP for a week’ game
Create a campaign video
Hold a debate and vote on issues important you
Get in touch with an MP or a member of the House of Lords
Sow the seeds of democracy by planting your chillies
@YourUKParl
@ukparliament
@ukparliament
Give us your feedback
After your UK Parliament Week activities, fill in our quick survey here:
smartsurvey.co.uk/s/UKPW2021
Your feedback will help us to plan for future UK Parliament Weeks.
ukparliamentweek.org
learning.parliament.ukYou can also read
