What do msps do in parliament

Whilst the Scottish Parliament has amazing buildings, landscapes and rich history, the most important part has to be the MSPs. Without them, well, there would be no Parliament! But what do they actually do? Then they will set off to meet people within the constituency that could be affected by new laws being discussed in the Parliament. On a Tuesday they will head to Edinburgh, which is where the Scottish Parliament meets. On the journey there the MSP may find time to work, answer emails and take calls.

The First Minister is ultimately responsible for the Scottish Government's programme and must justify its policies, and in this way is held accountable to the people of Scotland. Another Question Time session looks at topical issues which have recently arisen and further sessions allow MSPs to ask Ministers about their department's policies. MSPs might raise local issues at this time which have been brought to them by members of their constituency or region.

At the end of each day of business in the debating chamber MSPs vote. MSPs must consider the views of their constituents when voting, as well as any political party view. Committees Most MSPs are members of at least one committee. They also debate proposals for new laws Bills. For example, they can: lodge a motion to allow other MSPs to show their support for an issue or to gather support from MSPs to have the issue debated in the Parliament attend a committee meeting dealing with a particular bill or issue speak in a debate about a bill or an issue introduce a bill to change the law propose an amendment a change to a bill passing through the Parliament ask the Scottish Government a question or write to the relevant Cabinet Secretary of Minister refer matters to, or ask questions of, another person or organisation for example local councils, housing associations, health boards help raise the profile of an issue in the media Where can I find out more?

The following short film gives an insight into what MSPs do. Members of the Scottish Parliament. Did you know? Everyone in Scotland is represented by several MSPs.

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