Welcome to PoliticsUK

[Richard]

Welcome to PolUK!

We are a community who enjoy simulating the Parliament and politics of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (well--unless you're in Government and somehow manage to lose Northern Ireland. That's on you.)

So you've found us--welcome! You're probably wondering how in the world you get started--or maybe it's been awhile and you need a refresher. No worries, we've got you covered.

First things first, please join our Discord using this link. Many parts of the game take place there. It isn't really possible to play the game without joining Discord anymore: the forum is largely used as a way of posting material that exceeds the 2,000 character limit on that platform. There will be more help and guidance to help you navigate discord on the server.

Creating a character

The first thing you should do is determine which political party you wish to join. Generally, only the Conservative and Labour parties are open for players except on application. 

Once you determine which party you're joining, you can request masking on our Discord server in the party-request area.

Next you'll want to claim your constituency. A list of constituencies is listed in the Sign In forum. Remember, you can only select a constituency that your party holds , and isn't currently claimed by another character.

Now we get to the fun part, it's time to create your character! You can be as detailed or as generic in your biography as you'd like. It's completely up to you how you create your character. The A-team will only step in if you are very unrealistic in your character, or sign in a character who can't actually sit in Parliament (such as a 12 year old). Check out the Character Creation Guidelines in the Sign In forum for more information on how to create a character. Using the template there, simply create a new topic in the Sign In forum, and an admin will review it.

What to do next

So now you're all signed in! Lovely, welcome to Parliament. Stay on Mr. Speaker's good side--and more importantly, the Clerks'. What can you do now? Well, that depends on where you end up.

If you're a backbencher (that is, someone who does not have a Ministerial or Cabinet assignment) you may not have as much responsibility as your Frontbench peers, but you do have a lot more freedom. You can ask any Minister (even the Prime Minister!) questions in the Parliamentary Question Time channels on Discord. Asking questions is a great way to raise your profile on the backbenches and help out your party (or give them a headache!)

If you're on the frontbench in Government, you'll be working with the Cabinet and PM to put forward legislation, ministerial statements, press, and all that jazz to help your party increase in the polls and increase your popularity. Frontbenchers in Opposition will be holding their counterparts to account, and formulating alternative policies to try to win power at the next election.

No matter where you are, you can always help (or try to influence the debate within) your party through press, speeches, tweets, and even, if you're feeling bold, through leaks to the press (simply DM an Admin if you want to do that).

Of course, there's much more to the game, but hopefully this guide will help you get started. If you have questions, don't be afraid to ask members of your party or the A-Team, we're a mostly friendly bunch.

Welcome again to PolUK! We look forward to seeing your political star rise and/or spectacularly fall!