Representation In The House Of Commons

Question 1

How is ethnic diversity in the Commons a problem?

Answer 1

. In 2010 26 black and minority ethnic MPs were elected an increase of 11
. This is only 4% of the House compared to the fact that ethnics make up 14% of the population

Question 2

How is age a problem in the House of Commons?

Answer 2

. The average age of MPs fell to 50 on 2010 because of the high number of older MPs who stood down or were defeated in the election
. Young and older people are under represented in the House of Commons with most MPs being aged between 35 - 55

Question 3

How is sexual orientation a problem in the House of Commons?

Answer 3

. There are only 20 openly gay MPs in parliament

Question 4

How is education a problem in the House of Commons?

Answer 4

. More than a third of MPs elected in 2010 attended a fee paying school but fewer than 10% of voters did
. Over a quarter of all MPs have gone to either Oxbridge or Cambridge

Question 5

How is social class a problem in the House of Commons?

Answer 5

. Only 10% of labours MPs in 2005 had been manual workers at some point in their life
. Occupations such as law, finance and public relations are far better represented in the Commons