Exceptions to collective responsibility:

Question 1

1) Why were there exceptions to collective responsibility, during the Conservative-Liberal coalition.
2) What were the 4 issues, they could abstain on?

Answer 1

1) This is because there were issues on which the Liberals would come into conflict with their Conservative partners.
2) > Votes on the construction of new nuclear power stations.
> Tax allowances for married couples
> Higher education funding
> The proposal of an alternative to the Trident nuclear deterrent.

Question 2

1) Give an example of when the leaders of the two parties took different standpoints:

Answer 2

1) In 2011, Cameron backed FPTP, whilst Nick Clegg backed AV.

Question 3

1) Why did Labour MP Harold Wilson, suspend collective responsibility during the 1975 referendum, on membership of the EU?
2) What was the one condition?
3) Why was Eric Heffer sacked?

Answer 3

1) This was to prevent resignations from anti-Europeans. He allowed ministers to argue on both sides of the argument, after which they would all unite behind the people’s verdict.
2) As Labour’s official position was to remain in the EU, opponents couldn’t speak against membership, from the despatch box.
3) He spoke from the despatch box, in the House of Commons.

Question 4

1) In 2016, why did David Cameron decide to suspend collective responsibility?
2) Why was this referendum more heated than the 1975 one?
3) What did Cameron have to do when he lost the vote?

Answer 4

1) This was due to the Conservatives being equally divided.
2) This was due to Cameron deciding to pick a side, unlike Wilson. He was also being attacked by 5 cabinet ministers, who were joined by the London Mayor.
3) Resign