Evaluate The View That Backbenchers Exert Significant Influence In Parliament. Flashcards
for- rebellions
Rebelling against bills is a key way backbenchers influence government.
Defeats have increased since 2010 due to smaller majorities.
Major Defeats:
Theresa May (2017-19): Lost 33 votes; worst defeat (432-202) on Brexit deal (2019).
Boris Johnson (2019-22): Lost 12 times in 6 months (minority govt), 4 times in 3 years (majority).
Other Pressure Tactics:
Govt drops bills to avoid rebellion (e.g., Criminal Justice Act, 2024 – opposed by 40 Tory MPs).
Opposition motions can pass if govt abstains (e.g., Universal Credit cut reversed, 2021).
against- rebellions
Rebellions are rare and less effective when the government has a large majority.
Tony Blair (1997-2007): Defeated only 4 times in 10 years.
Rishi Sunak: Despite unpopularity, defeated just once as PM.
Keir Starmer: Holds a 174-seat majority, making defeats unlikely.
Why Backbenchers Stay Loyal:Career ambitions & party loyalty keep MPs in line.
Whips & patronage ensure MPs vote with the government.
2019-24 Parliament: Most MPs rebelled less than 2% of the time; only 8 MPs rebelled over 5% (highest: David Davis, 9.2%).
Disloyal MPs risk career stagnation or deselection.
for- debates and urgent questions
- Urgent Questions
Allow backbenchers/opposition to question ministers on urgent issues.
Speaker decides whether to grant them; minister must respond immediately.
Use has increased under Speakers Bercow & Hoyle (0.6 per day under Hoyle).
Example:
April 2018 – Amber Rudd (Windrush scandal): Had to answer an Urgent Question from Diane Abbott.
Gave inaccurate answers, broke the Ministerial Code, and resigned soon after.
2. DebatesHelp backbenchers scrutinise the government & put issues on the agenda.
Backbench Business Committee controls 35 debate days per session.
Example:
December 2024 – Iain Duncan Smith led a debate on detained British nationals abroad.
Pushed for Foreign Office to report on cases & raised media attention.
against- urgent questions and debates
Raise issue profiles but rarely lead to policy change.
Public pays little attention to debates, reducing pressure on the government.
MPs spend less time debating in Parliament than before:
2006-2021: MPs spent 24% of their time in the chamber, compared to 44% for Peers.
More focus on constituency work than parliamentary scrutiny.
for- legislative influence
Public Bill Committees (16-50 MPs) scrutinise bills and propose amendments.
Major bills (e.g., finance bills) are debated by the whole House (e.g., Passenger Railway Services Act 2024).
Private Members’ Bills (PMBs) allow backbenchers to propose laws via ballot, Ten Minute Rule Bills, or presentation.
Notable PMBs:
Abortion Act 1967 (legalised abortion).
Assault on Emergency Workers Act 2018.
Protection from Sex-Based Harassment Act 2023.
2022/23: 16 PMBs passed, including fair tips for workers.
Current Parliament: Kim Leadbeater’s PMB on assisted dying has strong support and is likely to pass.
Backbenchers have some influence on legislation, especially through PMBs with cross-party support.
against- legislative influence
Public Bill Committees rarely accept backbench amendments due to government majorities.
Most laws are Government Bills; PMBs rarely pass without government support.
2022/23: 56 Govt Bills → 43 passed (76%).
297 PMBs → only 24 passed (8%).
Govt controls the timetable and often rushes bills, limiting scrutiny.
Example: Passenger Railway Services Act 2024 had just 1 day of scrutiny and skipped the Report Stage.
key examples:
major backbench defeats
other pressure tactics and examples
how many times was TB defeated in ten years
what about Rishi sunak
what’s starmers majority
in the 2019-2024 parliament most MPs rebelled what % of the time only 8 mp rebelled how much of the time
who’s the highest with 9.2%
MPs spend less time debating in Parliament than before:
2006-2021: MPs spent how much of their time in the chamber, compared to how much for Peers.
what is Kim leadbeaters bill
2022/23: ? Govt Bills → ? passed (76%).
? PMBs → only ? passed (8%).
1.Theresa May (2017-19): Lost 33 votes; worst defeat (432-202) on Brexit deal (2019).
Boris Johnson (2019-22): Lost 12 times in 6 months (minority govt), 4 times in 3 years (majority).
2.Govt drops bills to avoid rebellion (e.g., Criminal Justice Act, 2024 – opposed by 40 Tory MPs).
Opposition motions can pass if govt abstains (e.g., Universal Credit cut reversed, 2021).
3. 4 times
4. once
5. most 2% of the time 5% other
6. David Davis
7. 24% compared to 44%
8. assisted dying bill
9.56/43. 297/24
sections
1.rebellions
2.debates and urgent questions
3.legislative function
LOA
backbenchers influence is limited
