About this presentation Use this PowerPoint to deliver a UK Parliament Week Assembly or to introduce your class to UK Parliament Week activities. The presentation will help your students understand what UK Parliament Week is and inspire them to tune in, speak up and take part! UK Parliament Week takes place between 2nd and 8th November 2019. Time allocation: 10-15 minutes

About UK Parliament Week UK Parliament Week is an annual celebration when people all over the United Kingdom take part in activities to explore the work and role of the UK Parliament and our democracy. During UK Parliament Week you can learn about how the UK Parliament works, ask the big questions, think critically and debate the issues that are important to you! Your school, alongside thousands of other schools, museums, libraries, scout groups, girl guides and faith communities is part of a UK wide conversation about our democracy and our UK Parliament.

About the UK Parliament The UK Parliament is made up of two Houses; the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Together they combine the local voices of MPs (Members of Parliament), elected to the House of Commons, with the experience and expertise of members of the House of Lords. The main work of the UK Parliament is to… Make and shape laws (legislation) Check and challenge the work of the Government (scrutiny) Debate the big issues that can affect us all (representation)

About debates in the UK Parliament Every week, both Houses debate a range of important issues that can affect all of us. These formal discussions are a chance for members to share different and opposing opinions on a specific topic or idea. It’s an opportunity to raise awareness of issues, listen to different points of view and potentially persuade people to think differently! Debates in the UK Parliament can focus on issues that affect local communities, the UK as a whole or international issues, which can impact on our whole global community. If your school is planning a debate during UK Parliament Week… Just like members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, during UK Parliament Week you may take part in a debate. You’ll need to think about the issues that are important to you, justify your opinion and listen to opposing points of view. Think about… What issues are important to you and what topics you would like to debate during UK Parliament Week (The environment, pollution, crime, education or something important to your local area)

About questions in the UK Parliament When the House of Lords and the House of Commons are sitting, the day begins with questions. It’s a really important part of the day as it’s an opportunity for members to challenge the Government on issues, ask for more information and press the Government to take action. Asking questions is a really important skill for everyone. It can help you gather more information about a topic and, if you think something isn’t right or fair, it’s one way to challenge the situation and make a positive difference. Don’t forget that listening is a vital part of asking questions too! Just as your opinions and ideas are valuable, listening to the answer and respecting other people’s point of view is important too. If your school is planning to hold a question time during UK Parliament Week… You’ll have the chance to ask questions, challenge and influence the people that represent you. Perhaps you will be asking your head teacher or the school council important questions about your school or maybe your local MP will visit your school. What questions will you ask them?

About voting Voting is one of the simplest ways people can get their voices heard in the UK Parliament. The UK is a democracy – the word democracy comes from the Greek words ‘demos’ which means people and ‘kratos’ which means rule. During a general election people across the UK decide who will represent their local area (a constituency) in the House of Commons by voting. The person with the most votes becomes the MP for that area and represents the area in the House of Commons. MPs represent everyone in their constituency – even the people that didn’t vote for them! Registering to vote In England, Wales and Northern Ireland you can register to vote if you are 17 years old (and in some cases if you are 16). And you can vote when you are 18. In Scotland you can register to vote if you are 15 years old (and in some cases if you are 14). You can vote in local and Scottish Parliament elections when you are 16 and UK general elections when you are 18. You can register to vote here www.gov.uk/register-to-vote If your school is planning a hold an election during UK Parliament Week… During UK Parliament week you may have the chance to vote. It’s a way of making decisions as a group. Have you ever voted before? How did you decide how to vote? If you are old enough have you registered to vote?

This UK Parliament Week, be confident and speak up about the issues that matter to you! Remember you can Tune in, Speak up and Take part!

Because it starts with you! Register to vote, contact your MP, start or sign an e-petition or even give evidence to a select committee. You and your friends can take action and make a difference on the issues that matter to you. Perhaps someone in this assembly may be a future MP or even a Prime Minister!

www.parliament.uk/education www.ukparliamentweek.org