Ever wondered what kind of evidence MPs actually use to make the big decisions that affect your everyday life - on healthcare, childcare, energy bills or education? We’re giving Mumsnet users the chance to put those questions directly to the people in power.
Sense about Science - an independent charity that champions evidence in public life - is teaming up with Mumsnet for the opening event of Evidence Week in Parliament. And we want you to be part of it. Vote for the issues you care about and want raised at this year’s Evidence Week in Parliament.
What is Evidence Week?
Now in its 8th year, Evidence Week brings together the public, researchers and parliamentarians to discuss how evidence is used and scrutinised at Westminster.
Evidence Week will open on 3rd November, led by members of the public, who will question MPs and Select Committee Chairs about the evidence behind major policy decisions. That includes committees covering health, education, justice, pensions, climate, AI and more.
You don’t need to be a policy expert - just bring your curiosity and a question.
How to get involved:
👉 Vote for the questions you want asked during the opening event. This includes two questions submitted by Mumsnet, one on the impact of smart phones and social media on children, and another on research into women’s health.
👉 Or submit your own question. Even if you just have a rough idea, we can help with the wording so you can get the best answer at the event.
If your question is selected, you could join us in Parliament and ask it in person on 3rd November. We’ll cover your travel costs if you're coming from within the UK. Can’t make it to Westminster? No problem - we can still ask your question for you on the day.
Vote for or submit a question here.
Why this matters:
Our recent survey results (2024) show that 74% of people want to see the evidence behind government decisions. But more than half of us aren’t confident that MPs are equipped to properly question the government on crucial topics like the economy, energy and AI.
This is your chance to help change that. By voting and putting forward your questions, you’ll be helping MPs understand what matters to real families - and reminding them that evidence matters.
We’ve had amazing questions in the past, covering everything from housing and transport to climate policy and even allotment planning!
The only limit is that your question should ask how MPs are using and reviewing evidence behind decisions - not just telling them what they should do.
Ready to have your say?
Vote for or submit a question and let us know if you’d like to attend in person. If you have any questions, email us at [email protected] or check our FAQs.
We can’t wait to hear what you want to ask. Let’s show Parliament that evidence matters to Mumsnetters.