There are a number of ways of raising issues in the House of Commons. An MP can make a speech or intervention in a debate, ask an Oral Question during scheduled questions to a particular Minister or department or ask a question in response to a Ministerial statement. In the case of Oral Questions, a Member of Parliament tables a question but it is then a random 'shuffle' which decides if they get on to the Order Paper. There is always the possibility of asking a supplementary question if they can catch the Speaker's eye.

The other way of getting information from Ministers is to ask a Written Question, all of which will be answered and the answers published in Hansard as well as being sent to the MP.

I believe it is important to be present in the House of Commons as much as possible, listening and observing on behalf of my constituents. I participate regularly and on these pages you can read about the things I have said in the main chamber and Westminster Hall. I am also active in Parliament in other ways, as a member of the Backbench Business Committee and as a member of various All Party Parliamentary Groups.

If you are interested in a piece of legislation's progress through its various Parliamentary stages you will find more information here.