2.7 How Parliament Interact With Executive

Question 1

Who are backbenchers in the UK Parliament?

Answer 1

Backbenchers are Members of Parliament (MPs) or Lords who are not part of the government (e.g., ministers) or the opposition leadership (e.g., shadow ministers). They sit literally at the back of the parliamentary chamber during debates, unlike frontbenchers who hold key leadership roles.

Question 2

What is the primary role of backbenchers in Parliament?

Answer 2

The primary role of backbenchers is to represent the interests and concerns of their constituents. They also debate, question government decisions, and propose amendments to legislation.

Question 3

How are backbenchers different from frontbenchers?

Answer 3

Backbenchers do not hold leadership roles or positions in the government or shadow government, unlike frontbenchers who are ministers or shadow ministers. This allows backbenchers greater freedom to speak openly in debates without being as constrained by party responsibilities.

Question 4

Why are backbenchers considered significant in Parliament?

Answer 4

Backbenchers are significant because they have the freedom to hold the government to account by debating, questioning decisions, and proposing amendments. While they are expected to follow the party whip, their independence can challenge government actions, particularly when the government has a small majority.

Question 5

What limits the power of backbenchers in Parliament?

Answer 5

The power of backbenchers is limited by the expectation to follow the party whip, which requires them to vote according to party lines. Additionally, a government with a large majority can weaken their influence, as there is less need for party leaders to negotiate with backbenchers to pass legislation.

Question 6

Provide an example of backbenchers opposing a government decision.

Answer 6

In 2003, some Labour backbenchers criticized Tony Blair’s decision to support the Iraq War. However, Blair’s large majority in Parliament allowed him to pass policies despite their opposition.

Question 7

How did backbenchers influence government decisions during Brexit?

Answer 7

During Brexit, Theresa May had to rely on backbenchers and negotiate with MPs from other parties to avoid losing important votes. The government’s small majority increased the influence of backbenchers, giving them more power to challenge her policies.

Question 8

How did Boris Johnson’s 2019 election majority affect backbenchers’ influence?

Answer 8

Boris Johnson’s 80-seat majority in 2019 reduced the influence of backbenchers, making it easier for him to pass his Brexit deal without significant resistance.

Question 9

How does the size of a government majority affect the influence of backbenchers?

Answer 9

A large government majority weakens the influence of backbenchers, as the government can pass legislation with little opposition. In contrast, a small majority strengthens their power, allowing them to challenge or negotiate with party leaders more effectively.

Question 10

What is the legislative process in Westminster?

Answer 10

The legislative process is how bills are turned into laws. It involves several stages, including readings, committee scrutiny, amendments, and debates in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. A bill must pass through both houses and receive royal assent to become law.

Question 11

What happens during the first reading of a bill in the House of Commons?

Answer 11

At the first reading, the bill’s title is introduced, and a date is set for the second reading. No debate or vote takes place at this stage.

Question 12

What happens during the second reading of a bill in the House of Commons?

Answer 12

The second reading involves a debate on the bill’s principles. MPs vote on whether the bill should proceed. It can be defeated at this stage if it fails to secure enough support.

Question 13

What is the Public Bill Committee stage?

Answer 13

During the Public Bill Committee stage, the bill is examined in detail. Members of the committee can propose and vote on amendments. Experts and interest groups may also provide input to refine the bill.

Question 14

What happens during the report stage of the legislative process?

Answer 14

In the report stage, MPs who were not part of the Public Bill Committee can suggest further amendments. The changes made during the committee stage are reviewed.

Question 15

What happens during the third reading of a bill?

Answer 15

The third reading is the final debate and vote in the originating house. At this stage, the bill is rarely rejected.

Question 16

What is the role of the House of Lords in the legislative process?

Answer 16

The House of Lords scrutinizes the bill through the same stages (first reading, second reading, committee, report stage, and third reading). They can suggest amendments, which may lead to a “ping-pong” process if the Commons disagrees.

Question 17

What is parliamentary “ping-pong”?

Answer 17

Ping-pong is the process where a bill moves back and forth between the House of Commons and the House of Lords when there are disagreements on amendments.

Question 18

What is royal assent?

Answer 18

Royal assent is the formal approval by the monarch, after which the bill becomes law. It is the final step in the legislative process.

Question 19

What are government bills, and why are they significant?

Answer 19

Government bills are proposed by the ruling party. They have a strong chance of becoming law because the government controls parliamentary time and relies on party loyalty to secure votes. The Salisbury Convention ensures the House of Lords does not obstruct bills based on the government’s election manifesto.

Question 20

How does the government dominate the legislative process?

Answer 20

1. Public Bill Committees are dominated by governing party MPs.
   
   2. Party whips control committee membership and voting.
   3. MPs opposing government bills risk harming their career prospects.

Question 21

How do backbench MPs demonstrate independence?
Provide example.

Answer 21

Backbenchers can rebel against their party by voting against government proposals. For example, in 2021, 99 Conservative MPs opposed Boris Johnson’s COVID passport plan, forcing him to rely on Labour support.

Question 22

How does the size of a government majority affect backbenchers?
Provide example.

Answer 22

• Large Majority: Reduces backbenchers’ influence as the government can pass bills without their support.
• Small Majority: Increases their power, allowing them to challenge or negotiate with the leadership.

Example: In 2019, Boris Johnson struggled to govern effectively due to a small majority and internal party divisions.

Question 23

What are notable examples of government defeats in the House of Commons?

Answer 23

1. Shops Bill (1986): 72 Conservative MPs rebelled, and the bill was defeated 282–296.
2. Terrorism Act (2006): 49 Labour MPs rebelled, defeating the proposal for 90-day detention of terror suspects.
3. Sunday Trading Law Reform (2016): 27 Conservative MPs opposed, and the bill was defeated 286–317.

Question 24

What are the criticisms of backbench rebellions?

Answer 24

• They can slow down the government’s ability to pass laws.
• Victorian Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli famously criticized rebellious MPs, saying, “Damn your principles, stick to your party.”

Question 25

What are the positive views on backbench rebellions?

Answer 25

• They show that backbenchers take their role seriously by holding the government accountable.
• Rebellions ensure thorough scrutiny and refinement of legislation.

Question 26

What are Private Members’ Bills?

Answer 26

Private Members’ Bills are proposed by Members of Parliament (MPs) or Lords who are not part of the government. They allow backbenchers to suggest new laws or amendments to existing laws. While these bills rarely become law, they are important for highlighting issues and raising public awareness.

Question 27

What is the significance of Private Members’ Bills?

Answer 27

Private Members’ Bills rarely succeed in becoming law but are significant for:

1) Raising public awareness about important issues.
2) Influencing public opinion and future discussions.
3) Highlighting areas where government action may be needed.

Question 28

What are the methods of introducing Private Members’ Bills?

Answer 28

1. Ballot: A ballot at the start of each parliamentary session selects 20 MPs to present bills. Typically, only the top seven bills are debated.
2. Ten-Minute Rule: MPs have up to 10 minutes to present their proposals in the House of Commons. While rarely successful, this method helps raise awareness about specific issues.

Question 29

What challenges do Private Members’ Bills face?

Answer 29

1. Timing: They are usually debated on Fridays, a day when many MPs are absent, making it difficult to gather enough votes.
2. Filibustering: MPs may deliberately give long speeches to waste time and prevent a bill from being discussed or voted on, effectively blocking its progress.

Question 30

What is filibustering, and how does it affect Private Members’ Bills?

Answer 30

Filibustering is when MPs give lengthy speeches to use up all the time allocated for a debate, preventing a Private Members’ Bill from being discussed or voted on. This tactic often blocks bills from advancing, highlighting one of the major challenges these bills face.

Question 31

Provide an example of a Private Members’ Bill that raised awareness but did not pass into law.

Answer 31

Peter Kyle’s Representation of the People Bill in 2018 proposed lowering the voting age to 16. Although it did not gain government support or pass into law, it successfully brought the issue to public attention and initiated discussions on youth voting rights.

Question 32

Provide an example of a Private Members’ Bill that successfully became law.

Answer 32

The House of Lords Reform Act (2014) is a notable example. It allowed Lords to resign or be removed for serious crimes or non-attendance. This Act addressed public concerns about accountability in the House of Lords and is one of the few Private Members’ Bills to succeed.

Question 33

How did Rosindell’s Animal Welfare Bill contribute to raising awareness?

Answer 33

Rosindell’s Animal Welfare Bill focused on addressing animal abuse. Although it did not become law, it highlighted issues of animal welfare and contributed to public discourse, demonstrating the influence of Private Members’ Bills on societal awareness.

Question 34

Why are Private Members’ Bills often unsuccessful in becoming law?

Answer 34

1. They lack government support or prioritization.
2. They face challenges like filibustering and low attendance during Friday debates.
3. Limited parliamentary time is allocated to debate these bills.

Question 35

How does the ballot method work for Private Members’ Bills?

Answer 35

A ballot is held at the start of each parliamentary session, and 20 MPs are chosen to present bills. However, only the top seven bills are typically debated, giving them a better chance of progressing.

Question 36

What are select committees in the UK Parliament?

Answer 36

Select committees are small groups of MPs or Lords that monitor and investigate the work of specific government departments. They provide detailed reports, recommend improvements, and ensure transparency and efficiency in government operations.

Question 37

What are examples of government departments scrutinized by select committees?

Answer 37

• Health and Social Care
• Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy
• Education
• Defence
• Foreign Affairs

Question 38

What is the role of the Public Accounts Committee?

Answer 38

The Public Accounts Committee focuses on how public money is spent. It ensures taxpayers’ money is used effectively and identifies financial waste or inefficiency. Its leadership often brings expertise, making it a critical tool for government accountability.

Question 39

Provide an example of a notable select committee report.

Answer 39

In 2021, the Health and Social Care Committee, chaired by Jeremy Hunt, evaluated the UK’s COVID-19 response. The report criticized the initial handling as a public health failure but praised the successful vaccine rollout, noting the UK’s “big successes alongside big mistakes.”

Question 40

How has the Foreign Affairs Select Committee influenced government policy?

Answer 40

In 2021, the committee, led by Tom Tugendhat, published the report “Never Again: The UK’s Responsibility to Act on Atrocities in Xinjiang and Beyond.” It criticized China’s treatment of Uyghur Muslims as genocide and urged the UK to impose sanctions and ban imports made with forced labor.

Question 41

What are ministerial questions in Parliament?

Answer 41

Ministerial questions allow MPs and Lords to hold government ministers accountable by questioning their actions and decisions. These sessions occur:

• In the House of Commons, from Monday to Thursday.
• In the House of Lords, for half an hour daily.

Question 42

What are Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs)?

Answer 42

PMQs occur every Wednesday from 12:00 to 12:30 p.m. in the House of Commons. MPs, including opposition leaders, question the Prime Minister on government policy and national issues. It ensures direct accountability for the Prime Minister.

Question 43

What criticisms are associated with PMQs?

Answer 43

Critics argue that PMQs often feel like political theater rather than serious debate, with MPs focusing on scoring points and loud cheering. Prime Ministers sometimes avoid giving direct answers, reducing its effectiveness for scrutiny.

Question 44

What is the significance of PMQs for accountability?

Answer 44

Supporters view PMQs as essential for holding the Prime Minister accountable. It allows Parliament to interrogate government policies and enables opposition leaders to challenge decisions publicly, highlighting national issues.

Question 45

Provide an example of the importance of PMQs in 2022.

Answer 45

In early 2022, Labour leader Keir Starmer questioned Boris Johnson about the government’s handling of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. These sessions compelled Johnson to publicly explain his actions and decisions.

Question 46

What is the Liaison Committee?

Answer 46

The Liaison Committee represents the chairs of all select committees and meets with the Prime Minister twice a year. Unlike PMQs, it focuses on in-depth scrutiny of long-term policies, such as climate change, Brexit, and social care.

Question 47

How is the Liaison Committee different from PMQs?

Answer 47

The Liaison Committee is less confrontational and allows extended discussions, making it harder for the Prime Minister to avoid answering key questions. PMQs, by contrast, often focus on short, politically charged exchanges.

Question 48

Provide an example of the Liaison Committee holding the Prime Minister accountable.

Answer 48

In 2022, Sir Bernard Jenkin questioned Boris Johnson about the lack of a detailed climate change strategy. This highlighted the Liaison Committee’s role in addressing critical issues often overlooked in PMQs.

Question 49

What are Opposition Days in Parliament?

Answer 49

Opposition Days are days allocated for opposition parties to choose topics for debate. There are 20 such days per parliamentary session, allowing opposition parties to challenge the government on key issues.

Question 50

Provide examples of significant Opposition Day motions.

Answer 50

2019 Climate Emergency Motion: A Labour motion calling for a “climate emergency” declaration was supported but not officially endorsed by the government.

Question 51

What are the two primary roles of MPs in the UK?a

Answer 51

MPs represent the interests of their constituents and support their political party. They must balance addressing constituent concerns with adhering to party policies, which can sometimes lead to conflicts.

Question 52

Provide an example of an MP navigating the conflict between personal actions, public perception, and party principles.

Answer 52

Sarah Champion, a Labour MP, resigned from the shadow cabinet in 2017 after making controversial comments about child abuse cases involving British Pakistani men. Her resignation demonstrated the challenge MPs face in addressing sensitive issues while maintaining public trust and adhering to party principles.

Question 53

How did Caroline Spelman demonstrate prioritization of constituency interests over party loyalty?

Answer 53

Caroline Spelman, a Conservative MP, voted against her party to oppose a no-deal Brexit, prioritizing the economic and social concerns of her constituents. This illustrated her willingness to defy party expectations to represent her electorate’s interests.

Question 54

How have select committees increased backbench MPs’ power?

Answer 54

Select committees have become more independent, enhancing their ability to scrutinize government departments effectively. This reform has strengthened backbench MPs’ oversight roles.

Question 55

Why is the power of select committees still limited?

Answer 55

Select committee reports and the Liaison Committee’s scrutiny have no binding power over the government, limiting their ability to enforce recommendations.

Question 56

How does the Backbench Business Committee (2010) enhance MPs’ influence?

Answer 56

The Backbench Business Committee allows MPs to have more control over parliamentary agendas and debate topics, increasing their ability to bring important issues to the forefront.

Question 57

How does the government reduce backbench influence using delegated legislation?

Answer 57

The government frequently uses delegated legislation to enact secondary laws, making changes with minimal input from MPs, thus reducing backbenchers’ influence.

Question 58

How does the Petitions Committee empower the public in parliamentary debates?

Answer 58

The Petitions Committee enables the public to influence parliamentary debates by collecting and presenting petitions, connecting citizens’ concerns to parliamentary discussion.

Question 59

Provide an example where the government bypassed MPs on a military decision.

Answer 59

In 2018, Theresa May ordered airstrikes in Syria without seeking parliamentary approval, highlighting the optional nature of involving MPs in military decisions.

Question 60

How did backbench MPs demonstrate significant influence during the Brexit period (2017-2019)?

Answer 60

Backbench MPs delayed Brexit legislation and forced the government to request an extension from the EU, showing strong influence during a period of minority government.

Question 61

How does the government majority affect backbench MPs’ influence?

Answer 61

Backbench MPs have more influence when the government has a weak majority or is in a minority. However, their influence decreases when the government holds a strong majority

Question 62

What is the opposition in the UK political system?

Answer 62

The opposition refers to the second-largest party in the House of Commons that is not part of the government. It plays a critical role in holding the government accountable and presenting itself as a potential alternative government.

Question 63

What are the three key responsibilities of the opposition?

Answer 63

1. Criticizing government policies and decisions to highlight failures or inefficiencies.
2. Proposing alternative policies to demonstrate readiness for government.
3. Ensuring the government justifies its actions to Parliament and the public.

Question 64

What are opposition days in Parliament, and why are they significant?

Answer 64

Opposition days are 20 days per parliamentary session allocated for the opposition to choose topics for debate. These debates provide an opportunity to criticize government policies or highlight important issues.

Question 65

How does the opposition use Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs)?

Answer 65

During PMQs, the leader of the opposition challenges the Prime Minister directly to expose weaknesses in government policies and hold them accountable in front of Parliament and the public.

Question 66

What are two main challenges faced by the opposition?

Answer 66

1. Limited Resources: The government has more access to resources and information, making it harder for the opposition to counter effectively.
2. Timing and Strategy: The opposition must balance between criticizing the government and presenting itself as a credible alternative to govern.

Question 67

Who is the shadow chancellor, and what is their role?

Answer 67

The shadow chancellor is the second-most important figure in the opposition, responsible for scrutinizing government economic policies and presenting alternative financial plans.

Question 68

Give an example of a shadow chancellor’s role in action.

Answer 68

In 2022, Rachel Reeves, Labour’s shadow chancellor, criticized Rishi Sunak’s economic policies, accusing him of mismanaging the economy and failing to address the cost-of-living crisis.

Question 69

Why is the opposition important in a democracy?

Answer 69

The opposition ensures that the government is held accountable for its actions, offers alternative policies, and helps maintain a balance of power by ensuring debate and scrutiny of decisions.