In common with all Members of Parliament, Linda Gilroy spends a considerable part of her time at Westminster in the House of Commons - participating in debates; asking questions of ministers; listening and responding to statements and voting on bills and motions.

The highlight of the week is often Prime Ministers Questions, which occurs every Wednesday lunchtime (when Parliament is sitting). The leaders of the main opposition parties are allocated a set number of questions, but backbench MPs who also wish to ask questions are chosen by lottery.

Equally important, although less high profile, are Departmental Questions.  Each government department is allocated one session per fortnight, when backbench and opposition MPs can question cabinet members and junior ministers about the work of their particular department. Linda may choose to use these opportunities to raise issues that are relevant to Plymouth or to a particular constituent. For instance, she will often question the Secretary of State for Defence about matters relating to Devonport Dockyard or the Royal Navy. Similarly, she has raised the issue of excessive water charges during questions to the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

MPs can also submit written parliamentary questions to government departments - these tend to be formal requests for information and statistics, rather than attempts to express views.

Linda's most recent contributions in Parliament appear on the homepage of this website. Older contributions can either be found on They Work For You or through Hansard.

Above: Linda Gilroy addressing fellow Members of Parliament in the House of Commons.