Evaluate the view to which backbench MPs are effective in fulfilling their various roles. Flashcards
Introduction - Themes
- Select Committees
- Parties
- Legislative
Introduction - Argument
Backbench MPs traditionally had much less influence than they do now, this growth in influence has meant that backbench MPs are now effective in fulfilling their various functions
Disagree - Select Committees - Point
One of the functions is to carry out the work of the Select Committees. Some of these committees are relatively powerless and this could mean that backbench MPs are ineffective
Disagree - Select Committees - Examples
- The Liason Committee’s main function is to hold the PM to account - twice a year the PM must appear before the committee, however, Boris Johnson cancelled several planned appearances
- The Backbench Business Committee determines what issues should be debated on the one day a week allocated to backbench business. This is largely ineffective as it relies on Private Members’ Bill or government support
Agree - Select Committees - Point
It could be incorrect to assume that the select committees do not have significant influence in Parliament
Agree - Select Committees - Examples
- The Backbench Business Committee has had some important successes - in 2011, the government was forced to release previously secret papers about the Hillsborough disaster
- The Priviledges Committee investigated Johnson’s role in Partygate - the outcome of this has the ability to end his political career in Parliament
Disagree - Parties - Point
Prehaps the strongest argument as to why backbench MPs are ineffective in fulfilling their roles is because they are made to follow the party line through a comprehensive whipping system
Disagree - Parties - Examples
- Gavin Williamson was Cheif Whip under May, when he was forced to make his embarrassing U-turn on exam results, many called for him to resign. Instead, he published a photo with a whip on his desk highlighting the power and knowledge he gained
- Many backbench MPs aim to become a Minister within their career. Defying whips can often cost them promotions - so many have personal reasons not to defy the party
Agree - Parties - Point
Recently there have been certain developments such as Brexit, which have led to massive divisions within the Conservative Party. This has meant backbenchers are less fearful to speak ut against the government
Agree - Parties - Examples
- The Tory backbenchers, displeased with Johnson’s premiership devised the ‘Pork Pie Plot’ in order to try and oust him from the position. Although initally unsuccessful, persistence meant he resigned in July 2022
- The role of heading select committees is an example of promotions aside from Minister positions, these are voted on from the house as a whole - party politics is not as prevelant
Disagree - Legislative - Point
There seems to be general disinterest from backbench MPs in the passage of public policy and legislation, unless it is highly controversial. Seeing as one of their main roles is to partake in legislation this seems to be ineffective
Disagree - Legislative - Examples
- From 2021-22, the average attendence to a sitting in the HOC was 367, which is only just half of the 650 MPs
- Parliament has a very long recess, giving MPs exessively long ‘holidays’ during which the executive work unchecked. in 2021-22, they only sat for a total of 152 sessions
Agree - Legislative - Point
The backbenchers still pay attention to massively important roles in scrutinising legislation. The doctrine of Collective Cabinet Responsibility means that Ministers cannot speak out against proposed legislation, this leaves it largely to the backbenchers
Agree - Legislative - Examples
- Several prominent backbenchers abstained from the new Illegal Immigration Bill, including Theresa May and Robert Buckland, former Justice Secretary
- Much of the work carried out by backbench MPs is behind the scenes. It is greatly significant to the effective working of Parliament but is much less visible than frontbench work
