Data.parliament.uk API vs Shields
Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.
Data.parliament.uk API vs Shields: common questions
Which is more reliable, Data.parliament.uk API or Shields?
On our scheduled checks, Shields leads on measured uptime — Data.parliament.uk API at 92.2% versus Shields at 100% over 90 days. These are our own probe results, not provider claims; the uptime bars above show the day-by-day record for both.
Which is faster, Data.parliament.uk API or Shields?
Shields has the lower median latency in our checks — Data.parliament.uk API responds in 678 ms versus Shields at 30 ms (P50). Tail latency (P95) is in the table above; for most workloads the median is the number that shapes how the API feels.
Do Data.parliament.uk API and Shields need an API key?
Shields needs no key, while Data.parliament.uk API requires a free API key. If you want to start calling without signup, reach for Shields first.
Can I call Data.parliament.uk API and Shields from the browser?
Yes — both Data.parliament.uk API and Shields send CORS headers over HTTPS, so front-end code can fetch either directly with no backend proxy. That makes them easy to swap in a client-side app while you compare responses.
Are Data.parliament.uk API and Shields free for commercial use?
Data.parliament.uk API has unclear commercial terms, and Shields has unclear commercial terms. We track service terms and the data license as separate fields — see the Commercial use and Data license rows above, and confirm both before shipping either in a paid product.