Parliamentary privilege

Parliamentary privilege is a legal mechanism employed within the legislative bodies of countries whose constitutions are based on the Westminster system.

It allows members of the House of Lords and House of Commons to speak freely without fear of legal action on the grounds of libel. It also means while a member is within the grounds of the Palace he/she cannot be arrested.

The rights and privileges of members are overseen by the powerful Committee on Standards and Privileges. If a member of the house is in breach of the rules then he/she can be suspended or even expelled from the House. Such past breachs have included giving false evidence before a committee of the house and the taking of bribes by members.

Similar rights apply in other Westminster system countries, such as Australia.