The Chamber
of the House of Commons is where Britain’s elected
representatives (MPs) meet to hold their debates. Following
damage sustained during the Second World War, it was rebuilt
in a style similar to the original Chamber.
The floor of the House is the term used to describe the
area where the MPs sit. The ornate Speaker’s Chair
in the centre of the Chamber marks the dividing line between
the Government and Opposition benches. The Government always
sit on the green benches on the Speaker’s right hand
side, and opposite them, sit the Opposition MPs.
The Chamber itself is actually quite small and can seat
only 437 MPs. It is decorated by gifts presented from Commonwealth
countries, including the Speaker’s Chair itself. One
aspect of the Speaker’s role is to preside over debates
in the House, which is to ‘referee’ the debates
of the political parties. MPs for instance must not use any
insulting or rude language and cannot accuse each other of
lying, being drunk or misrepresent each other’s words.
Over the years, the Speaker has objected to words such as
coward, git, guttersnipe, hooligan, rat, swine and traitor.
The Speaker will direct an MP who has used unparliamentary
language to withdraw it. Refusal to withdraw a comment might
lead to an MP being disciplined.
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