Visiting Parliament and the devolved administrations — Life in the UK Test practice questions
These practice questions cover Visiting Parliament and the devolved administrations, part of the The UK government, the law and your role chapter of the official handbook, Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents. The correct answer and a clear explanation sit under every question.
Practice questions
Where can the public listen to debates in the UK Parliament?
- ✓ From the public galleries in the House of Commons and the House of Lords — Correct answer
- Only in the Palace grounds
- Only from the press gallery
- Only by radio
The public can watch and listen to debates from the public galleries in the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The other options are wrong because Parliament debates are not limited to the press gallery, radio, or the Palace grounds, and entry to the public galleries is free.
Where do MSPs meet?
- Stormont in Belfast
- ✓ the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood in Edinburgh — Correct answer
- The Palace of Westminster in London
- The Senedd in Cardiff Bay
In Scotland, MSPs meet in the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood in Edinburgh. Stormont is where the Northern Ireland Assembly meets, and the Senedd is where the Welsh Parliament meets.
How can the public listen to debates in the Palace of Westminster?
- By invitation from the Prime Minister
- ✓ From public galleries in both Houses — Correct answer
- Only through a local council office
- Only by watching online recordings
The public can listen to debates from public galleries in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Entrance is free.
How can you arrange a visit to Stormont?
- By contacting your local councillor or an MP
- By phoning the House of Lords
- By booking through visitor services in Edinburgh
- ✓ By contacting the Education Service or an MLA — Correct answer
There are two ways to arrange a visit to Stormont: contact the Education Service or contact an MLA. Stormont is the seat of the Northern Ireland Assembly and is in Belfast.