collective responsibility

Question 1

what is collective responsibility

Answer 1

principle that the Cabinet must publicly support the work of the government and agree to policy. As a principle, it is not legally binding.

Discussions in Cabinet must be confidential. If a government is defeated in a no-confidence vote, the whole government resigns. Disagreements may occur in private, but the Cabinet should appear united in public.

This makes the government look united and strong, means that cabinet meetings remain confidential and can sometimes enhance prime ministerial power by silencing critics. Non-abiding members are expected to resign or be sacked.

Question 2

in action ;

Answer 2

2003: Foreign Secretary Robin Cook resigned from Tony Blair’s government over his opposition to the Iraq War.
2019: Gavin Williamson, Defence Secretary, was sacked by PM Theresa May after allegedly leaking confidential information from the National Security Council regarding Chinese telecoms company Huawei.
2020: Douglas Ross, Minister for Scotland, resigned after Boris Johnson reaffirmed his support for Dominic Cummings, Johnson’s Chief Advisor.

Question 3

not in action;

Answer 3

2010-15 coalition: there were disagreements between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats over certain policy issues. Vince Cable, the Business Secretary, often criticised the Conservatives.
2016: during the EU referendum campaign, PM David Cameron suspended the principle so prominent cabinet ministers could campaign for and against Brexit.
2019: Amber Rudd, Work & Pensions Secretary, abstained on a vote on the Brexit Withdrawal Bill, despite the rest of the government supporting the Bill.
2022: During the July government crisis, many ministers issued statements saying they didn’t believe that Boris Johnson should remain in post. However, they kept their jobs after Johnson announced his future resignation, including Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi.

Question 4

points in favour of collective responsibility being abolished

Answer 4

• critics with government are silenced meaning lots of opinions dont work together
• its sometimes ignored, eg Amber Rudd abstaining the brexit vite as work and pensions secretary

Question 5

points against collective responsibility being abolished

Answer 5

• means the government look strong as a group against opposition
• ensures everyone agrees on a particular issue and raises concern before a public announcement is made