The UK Parliament is a powerful democratic institution that serves to check and challenge Government, debate/make laws and engage with the public on key issues. The Houses of Parliament and the many committees do this for the benefit of UK citizens and the wider public, ensuring the voice of the people is heard loud and clear. Most of the time, this is done on television – from Prime Minister’s Questions to the heated exchanges of Commons Questions or the petitions debates that attract huge viewing audiences. Parliament has never been more accessible to the public than it is today.

This week, MPs and peers are examining key policy areas. The Assisted Dying Bill has its Second Reading in the Lords and Commons Ministers face scrutiny over Gaza, the Diego Garcia military base, grooming gangs and employment numbers. There are also key hearings in the committee corridor with Lisa Nandy appearing before the Culture Committee, Lord Hermer before the Constitution Committee and a pre-appointment hearing for the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists. MPs will debate two e-petitions and the former boss of John Lewis, Sharon White, is formally introduced to the House of Lords.