Evaluate the view that since 2010 we have seen a return to executive dominance over Parliament. Flashcards
Introduction - Themes
- Party
- Checks
- Type of Government
Introduction - Argument
There have been periods of executive dominance since 2010, however, for the most party Parliament has been dominant over the executive
Executive - Party - Point
Due to the comprehensive whipping system in the UK, MPs of the major party often have little choice on how to vote and are forced to follow the party line which comes directly from the executive
Executive - Party - Examples
- The current cheif whip is Simon Hart, his job is to organise the party whips who seek to inform MPs about Parliamentary business and ensure party loyality
- Diana Abbott is now an Independent MP in the Commons as she lost the party whip after publishing a racist letter
Parliament - Party - Point
The whipping system is not always successful as some MPs choose to not tow the partyline and to vote with the majority of their constituents. Divisions within the Party can also lead to the executive failing to exert their dominance
Parliament - Party - Examples
- When Brexit votes occured, many MPs would ignore the whips and vote in line with what thier constituents wanted. Kenneth Clarke was from a Nottinghamshire Constituency who voted remain and as a result he voted against many bills
- The Second Reading Vote on the highly controversial Illegal Immigration Bill only passed 312 to 250. Although no Conservatives voted against, many abstained
Executive - Checks - Point
There are supposedly many checks on the executive from Parliament’s backbenchers. This is mainly done through Select Committees. However, some of the committees play little role in holding the executive to account
Executive - Checks - Examples
- The Liason Committee’s main function is to call the Prime Minister to account. However, Boris Johnson cancelled serval planned appearance highlighting the committees lack of power
- THe Heads of Investigatory Committees are often chosen by the executive themselves. Johnson set up an enquiry into David Cameron’s Greensill Captial scandal headed by Nigel Boardman
Parliament - Checks - Point
Parliament is massively successful in holding the executive to ccount. This means that Parliament in fact dominates
Parliament - Checks - Examples
- Parliament can call ‘Votes of No Confidences’ in the executive - Boris Johnson won his vote in June 2022 but just a month later he was forced to resign, Theresa May survived 2 votes but was made to resign 4 months after in May 2019
- The Priviledges Committee investigated Johnson’s role in Partygate - the outcome of this has the ability to end his political career
Executive - Type of Government - Point
If the executive is in the position whereby the major party has a large majority, it is very difficult for Parliament to exert its dominance and the Government can often pass any bill it wishes
Executive - Type of Government - Examples
- In 2020, Boris Johnson was able to pass the Covid Act which was passed in a matter of 6 days and without a vote in Parliament
- Brexit has divided Parliament, however, due to Sunak’s large majority, The Windsor Framework passed a recent vote 515 to 29
Parliament - Types of Government - Point
Since 2010, majority government have not been the norm. The Conservatives had to operate under a coalition with the Lib Dems and a minority government before finally securing a majority in 2019
Parliament - Types of Government - Examples
- In Theresa May’s minority government from 2017 to 2019, her government suffered 53 defeats which is a substaintial amount. Boris Johnson was only defeated on 4 occassions
- During the coalition, David Cameron wanted to enter Syria however, when put to a vote in Parliament he was defeated, 285 to 272
