Being a good citizen in UK and Hillingdon

Summary of sections:  

  1. About Hillingdon (including map of Hillingdon)
  2. Hillingdon Council and what it is for
  3. Rule of Law (including information on police and courts)
  4. Safeguarding (your security, information on the Home Office, etc)
  5. Democracy and the political system in UK (all about the government, elections, voting, etc)
  6. Citizenship and EU Settlement status for those affected by BREXIT
  7. Census collection (and how we can help you fill in this form)

5. Democracy

Democracy and the political system in the UK


How Does The Government Work?



The Political System In The United KingdomBig Ben, London


  • The two biggest political parties in the UK are the Conservative and Unionist Party and The Labour Party. 


  • There are many other parties including the Liberal Democrats, the Scottish National Party and Plaid Cymru


  • The UK is divided into 650 areas called constituencies. 


  • At every general election, the voters in every constituency choose a Member of Parliament (MP) to represent them. 


  • Your MP represents you. You can contact them about problems or things you are concerned about. 


  • Citizens of the UK, the Commonwealth and the Republic of Ireland (if resident in the UK) can vote in all public elections.


  • Citizens of European Union (EU) states who are resident in the UK can vote in all elections except national parliamentary elections.


  • These national elections choose who will be the next Government and are known as ‘General Elections’. 


  • A General Election is held every five years. 





You and Your MP


Parliament and the Government - UK Parliament


MPs represent all the people in their local area, including the people who voted for them and the people who did not. They can speak out in the House of Commons about issues that matter to you.


Use our helpful guide to find out who your MP is, how to contact them and how they may be able to help you.

Download or order free copies:  You and your MP booklet

Click to find your MP:           Find my MP

                                                 Your Local MP






Voting in Elections

To vote in an election you need to be on the Register of Voters.


How do I register?

You can register if you are:


  • 16 years old or over (you must be 18 or over to vote)


  • A citizen of Britain, a Commonwealth country or an EU country


  • Every year the Council will send a form to your house. If you are allowed to register, put your name on the list.


You only need to register once - not for every election.


CLICK:     Register Online    



Or


You can ask for an Electoral Registration form from:


Electoral Registration Office

Civic Centre

High Street

Uxbridge 

UB8 1UW



How do I vote?

  • If you have registered then before an election you will receive a voting card.


  • On the day of the election take the card (or your passport) to the address on the card (the Polling Station) and you will then be able to vote.


      CLICK:    Apply for a Postal Vote   

  


What elections can I vote in?

  • Elections for your local council (e.g. Hillingdon)


  • The European Parliament


  • Mayor London and London Assembly



If you are a citizen of Britain or a Commonwealth citizen you can also vote in:



  • A General Election (when the whole country votes)


  • A By-election (when people in your area vote for a new MP)


UK Parliament Awards 2022
If you’ve made a difference in your community or helped to promote democracy, apply for Your UK Parliament Award. Nominations for the Your UK Parliament Awards 2022 are currently open, closing date is 31 January.
There are 7 Award categories that you could enter. Check out the website for more details Your UK Parliament Awards 2022 | UK Parliament Week.

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