UK Parliament

The role of the MPs representing Scotland in the House of Commons at Westminster is to represent their constituents on reserved matters which include Defence, Foreign Affairs, National Security and Employment.

The Parliament Act 1911 established the maximum life of a Parliament (i.e. the time between General Elections) as 5 years. Since that Act, Parliaments have twice been extended beyond 5 years during the two world wars.

A Parliament is dissolved by a proclamation of the Sovereign on the advice of the Prime Minister. Dissolution (the end of a Parliament), does not require a sitting of either House. In the past, it has occurred when both Houses have stood adjourned, although in 1992 and 1997 both Houses had sat for business before the ceremony of prorogation, followed by dissolution. Prorogation (the end of a session), is by Royal Command, read either in the presence of the Monarch or by commission, by the Lord Chancellor in the House of Lords, the Speaker and Members of the Commons being also present. Prorogation and dissolution can occur either on the same day or a few days apart. Practice has varied in the past.

It is customary for the Prime Minister to announce in person the date of dissolution and the reason for holding a General Election in all the constituencies in the United Kingdom.