The House of Commons is the lower house of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It is an elected body consisting of 650 members known as Members of Parliament (MPs) . The House of Commons meets in the Palace of Westminster in London, England, and is responsible for debating major political issues and proposing new laws. It is the effective legislative authority in Great Britain, having the right to impose taxes, vote money to, or withhold it from various public departments and services. The House of Commons plays a crucial role in the legislative branch of Canadas government as well, where it brings together elected representatives from across the country to introduce, debate, and pass bills, decide on budgets and taxes, and represent Canadians.