National institutions such as Parliament, The House of Lords, the European Union and the Government also play an important role in running London.
Many public functions are carried out by public bodies with varying degrees of independence from central government departments. They are staffed by civil servants and are ultimately answerable to government ministers and to Parliament.
Find out more
The UK joined the European Economic Community in 1973, which became the European Union in 1992. Most decisions are taken by the Council of Ministers which is made up of the governments of all the Member States.
Find out more
The House of Lords examines legislation which has been passed by the House of Commons. They can amend and revise it, and in certain circumstances can force the Government to reconsider its plans.
Find out more
MPs represent the interests of their constituents in Parliament by:
taking part in the scrutiny and passage of new legislation
taking part in debates
holding the Government to account by asking questions of Ministers
Find out more
The Majority party in Parliament is given permission to form a government. This government is made up of the Prime Minister, the senior Ministers of the Cabinet, and their junior Ministers. The government heads the various government departments that affect most public life in the country.
Find out more
