House of Commons - Project Open Gov

The elected chamber of the UK Parliament, made up of Members of Parliament.

Category: Devolution and constitution Parliament and elections

Abbreviation: Commons

Also used as: Commons, the Commons

Official website: Visit the House of Commons

Source / explainer: Browse the UK Parliament glossary

Last reviewed: 22 August 2026

The House of Commons is the elected chamber of the UK Parliament. MPs sit in the Commons to debate issues, question ministers, examine proposed laws, vote on legislation and scrutinise the Government.

Related terms

By-electionAn election held to fill a seat that becomes vacant between general elections.Committee on StandardsA Commons committee concerned with standards of conduct for MPs.DivisionA formal vote in Parliament where members are counted for each side.General ElectionAn election in which voters choose MPs for all House of Commons constituencies.House of Commons Code of ConductThe rules setting expected standards of conduct for MPs in their public role.House of LordsThe unelected second chamber of the UK Parliament, which scrutinises bills and government policy.Member of ParliamentAn elected representative who sits in the House of Commons.Parliamentary Commissioner for StandardsThe independent House of Commons officer responsible for monitoring the Code of Conduct and registers.Parliamentary PrivilegeThe rights and protections Parliament needs to carry out its work effectively.Votes and ProceedingsThe official Commons record of decisions and proceedings for a sitting day.