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Hansard and a free press

Study note

Everything that is said in debates in Parliament is written down and published so that the public can see it. This official report of what is said in Parliament is called Hansard. It is not Magna Carta or the Domesday Book, which are historic documents; Hansard is the day to day record of Parliament's debates.

The UK also has a free press. This means that newspapers, broadcasters and other media are able to report on and criticise the government and Parliament without the government controlling what they say. By law, broadcast coverage of the political parties has to be balanced. A free press and an open record like Hansard help keep those in power accountable. For the test, remember that Hansard is the official record of what is said in Parliament and that the UK has a free press.

Memory tip: Hansard = the official record of Parliament; the UK has a free press.

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What is the official report of what is said in Parliament called?

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Hansard and a free press: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. What is the official report of what is said in Parliament called?

    • Hansard
    • The Magna Carta
    • The Domesday Book
    • The Gazette of Commons

    Correct answer: Hansard

    Hansard is the official published record of debates in Parliament.

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