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paulieb89

UK Legal Research MCP Server

Find Member of Parliament

parliament_find_member
Read-onlyIdempotent

Look up a UK parliament member by name to get their integer member ID, party, constituency, and current status. Use this step before any member-ID based search.

Instructions

USE THIS TOOL WHEN you have a member's name and need their integer member_id.

Returns all members matching the name query, each with the integer id, party, constituency, house, and current-sitting status. Disambiguates common-name matches (e.g. "Lord Smith" returns multiple peers).

CALL THIS BEFORE any tool that filters by member_id — including parliament_get_debate_contributions, parliament_member_debates, and parliament_member_interests. Name → ID first; ID-based filtering second. Skipping this step and text-searching by name returns unrelated results (see parliament_search_hansard's anti-bypass note for the Pannick case).

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
paramsYesFindMemberInput with the name (full or partial).

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
queryYesThe name that was searched
totalYesNumber of members matching the query
membersNoMatching members. Use the integer `id` field from any member to call parliament_member_debates or parliament_member_interests.
Behavior4/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Beyond annotations (readOnlyHint, idempotentHint, etc.), the description adds that the tool returns all members matching the name query, disambiguates common-name matches, and lists output fields. This provides behavioral context not covered by annotations alone.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is concise at four sentences, each adding distinct value. It is front-loaded with the key instruction, followed by output details, an example of disambiguation, and explicit workflow guidance. No unnecessary words.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness5/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the simple input (single parameter), rich annotations, and presence of an output schema, the description is complete. It covers the purpose, output fields, disambiguation behavior, and workflow integration with sibling tools.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters5/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

With 100% schema coverage, the description adds substantial meaning beyond the schema by providing examples (e.g., 'Starmer', 'Baroness Hale'), explaining that the name can be partial, and explicitly linking the parameter to the output integer id. This helps the agent understand how to use the parameter effectively.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the tool's purpose: to convert a member's name to an integer member_id. It specifies the verb 'find' and the resource 'member of parliament', and distinguishes from sibling tools by positioning it as a prerequisite for ID-based filtering tools.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines5/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description explicitly says 'USE THIS TOOL WHEN you have a member's name and need their integer member_id.' It further instructs 'CALL THIS BEFORE any tool that filters by member_id' and lists specific sibling tools. It also warns against skipping this step, providing clear when-to-use and when-not-to-use guidance.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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