What the devil is an "MP"?
 

In the UK that is. Not the Military Police type of MP, but rather an MP in regards to the British Parliment.

I tend to find the writing and reporting of the BBC, Gaurdian, Times of London, etc to be more in line with what I like to read; rather than the NYTimes, Washinton Post/Times, etc. Almost daily I run accross the term MP. I know it's a member of their parliment; but is it the upper or lower house? a member of a specific party? And so on . . .

Anyway, if anyone has any insight I would appreciate it. If not, then it's off to email the BBC.

Archer

Member of Parliament

Well that was easy . . .
 

Much thanks there . . .

I figured the P was Parliment, but was thinking the M might be Majesty, akin to HMS on their naval vessels.

And besides . . . wouldn't that be a MoP? :D


Archer

No.

In recent world news, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority will be purchasing consultancy services from IBM to devise a security system for Canadian airports. This Monday, however, the officials involved received sharp criticism from mops when they refused to reveal the total amount of money they are paying IBM.

If they're bitching and complaining I guess they're rag mops.:rolleyes:

Yeah, the term MP threw me off too when I started listening to CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corp.) on a regular. And then I'd keep forgetting what it meant.

Yes, MP means Member of Parliament.
There are over 600 in total I believe, divided between the House of Lords and the House of Commons (the majority in Commons).
The Commons are elected by district-the UK is divided into districts, each of which has its own MP, voted from amongst the candidates by the locals. Eg-my own home city has its own conservative MP, who leads our local council, and sits in the House of Commons.
The members of the House of lords are all members of the aristocracy, and gain it by birthright I believe.
The leading party is then decided by which holds the majority of seats in the Houses.
But that is all off the top of my head, and I have probably got a couple of the facts wrong-if you require a more accurate/in depth explanation, I'll ask a couple more politically aware friends.

Basically, laws go into the (House of) Commons as proposals and are then OK'ed. The (House of) Lords then vote on them and then they become law. (not so sure on that last part though)