Role and Responsibilities of Members of Parliament (MPs)
- Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected to represent voters’ interests and concerns in the House of Commons and hold the government to account, as well as make laws.
- MPs consider and can propose new laws as well as raising issues that matter to voters in the House. This includes asking government ministers questions about current issues, including those that affect local constituents.
- MPs receives several hundred emails, letters, and phone calls every day and are allowed to employ a small team to support them in their duties.
- MPs often act as figureheads for local campaigns and help to raise awareness of important issues both locally and nationally.
- MPs do not have executive power, meaning they cannot give direct instructions to any government agency or public body, but they can contact them on behalf of constituents to raise concerns and ask questions. They also have no authority over local councils or councillors.
- Additionally, MPs cannot interfere in the judicial process and cannot tell a court or judge what to do, or overturn a court decision.
- MPs split their time between working in Parliament itself and working in the constituency that elected them.
How Martin Rhodes MP carries out his role
Working in Parliament
For days when Parliament is sitting (meeting), Martin goes to London to spend time working in the House of Commons.
This can include raising issues affecting his constituents and highlighting campaigns that local people feel strongly about. This can be achieved by asking specific questions of Government ministers, attending debates, attending weekly committee meetings, and voting on new laws.
Martin is a member of the Environmental Audit Committee and is the Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Fairtrade. During this work, he examines issues in detail, from environmental policy and sustainable practices to fair trade and ethical business standards.
Working in the Constituency
When Parliament is not sitting, or in recess, Martin works in Glasgow North. While here, he works on addressing issues raised by constituents and helping them with their concerns.
Martin holds regular advice surgeries across the constituency, rotating different days and locations to be accessible to as many people as possible. Constituents can attend these to discuss matters that concern them, from local issues to broader policy concerns.
He also attends as many local events as possible, as well as visiting schools, community groups, and businesses. These visits provide valuable insight and context for issues he may want to raise in Westminster.
Martin also supports local initiatives, campaigns, and activities that benefit the people of Glasgow North.
If you would like Martin to attend an event, visit a local community group or charity, or visit your business, please contact the office on 0141 321 3821 or email martin.rhodes.mp@parliament.uk.
Constituency Office
Martin’s constituency office is located at 76 Firhill Road. Constituents needing assistance should contact the office first to arrange an appointment or discuss their issue over the phone or via email.
The office can be contacted by phone on 0141 321 3821 between 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, or by email at martin.rhodes.mp@parliament.uk.
It is advisable to contact the constituency office before requesting a surgery appointment, as many issues can be addressed immediately and may be fully resolved without needing to wait for an appointment.