Backbench rebellions LEGISLATION

Question 1

What are backbench rebellions

Answer 1

This can be influencing legislation aswell.

This is when backbench MPs unite on a common cause in an effort to defeat a government bill. these are rare due to the control of whips but will unite more often in a minority government.

Question 2

what are the strengths of backbench rebellions

Answer 2

• the threat of a backbench rebellion can cause the government to change legislation out of fear of seeming weak
• seen as effective as they can lead to the defeat of government bills

Question 3

what are the disadvantages of backbench rebellions

Answer 3

• MPs often will fear doing this out of fear of becoming an independent candidateand as these independent candidates tend to do badly in the British system many MPs will back their government in fear of this
• Often doesnt work in a majority government

Question 4

Backbench rebellions being successful example

Answer 4

• An example of a backbench rebellion is the “detention of terrorists suspects bill” in 2005 and the “fixed term parliament” bill in 2011.
• Theresa May suffered the largest backbench rebellion when her withdrawal agreement was defeated by 230 votes in 2019
• Majority government almost being defeated. boris johnson almost suffered a defeat in 2021 over covid restrictions.

Question 5

Backbench rebellions being unsuccessful essay paragraph

Answer 5

Government majorities will restrict backbench rebellions as many career politicians will want to climb the party ladder and show loyalty.

the whip system can also cause this function to be unsuccessful as the party can withdraw the whip and exepel MPs from the party

for example, in 2019 boris johnson had the whip removed from 21 mps for voting against the government.