Parliament Flashcards
Key term:
What does Parliament mean?
The main law-making body in the UK, made up of the House of Commons and House of Lords, which debates and passes laws.
Key term:
What does the House of Commons mean
The elected part of Parliament where Members of Parliament (MPs) meet to discuss and vote on laws.
Key term:
What is a vote of no confidence?
A vote in the House of Commons that can remove the government if MPs no longer support it.
Key term:
What does Public Bill Committee mean?
A committee that reviews proposed laws (bills) in detail before they are debated and voted on in Parliament.
Key term:
What does House of Lords mean?
The second chamber of Parliament, made up of appointed members (including life peers, bishops, and hereditary peers), which reviews and suggests changes to laws proposed by the House of Commons.
Key term:
What does the Salisbury convention mean?
Idea that the House of Lords should not block laws that were promised by HOC.
Key term:
What does backbenchers mean?
MPs or Lords that are not in the cabinet and shadow cabinet.
Key term:
What does legislative bill mean?
A bill/ a change to a bill that is debated and voted on in Parliament.
Key term:
What does select committee mean?
A group of MPs or Lords who investigate areas of government or public life to ensure accountability.
Key term:
What does parliamentary privilege mean?
The legal protection given to MPs and Lords to speak freely in Parliament without being prosecuted.
Key term:
What does the opposition mean?
The political parties or MPs who are not in government, and they challenge and scrutinize the government’s actions.
The development of Parliament:
What is the De Montfort Parliament and why is it important? (use the date)
(1265): The first English parliament to include commoners e.g. knights.
Lead to Parliament being more representative.
The development of Parliament:
What is the Bill of Rights and why is it important? (use the date)
(1689): Limited the powers of the monarchy and lead to parliamentary sovereignty and lead to individual rights and the rule of law.
The development of Parliament:
What is the Parliament Acts and why is it important? (use the date)
(1911 & 1949): reduced the power of the House of Lords, limiting their ability to block legislation.
As the HOL is unelected it reinforces
democratic control over legislation.
The development of Parliament:
What is the Extension of the franchise and why is it important? (use the date)
Progressively extended voting rights, with the 1928 Equal Franchise Act granting women equal voting rights to men.
Makes Parliament more representative.
The development of Parliament:
What is the House of Lords Act and why is it important? (use the date)
(1999): Reduced the number of hereditary peers in the House of Lords - down to 92
Makes HOL more democratic as they are there because of skill not because of who their parents are.
The composition of the House of Commons:
What is role of front-bench MP’s? (use two examples)87
Frontbench MPs - are in the cabinet - help make policies.
2025 Starmer - PM - leads the government on key issues shaping policies.
Badenoch - as Leader of the Opposition - challenges Starmer’s policies offering alternatives.
The composition of the House of Commons:
What is role of back-bench MP’s? (use two examples)
Backbench MPs represent the public. They help shape decisions, even though they don’t make them.
May - focusing on Brexit and international trade, offering experience.
Johnson - Critiques government policies, especially on foreign relations with the EU and US.
The composition of the House of Commons:
What is role of party whips? (use two examples)
Party whips make sure MPs vote with their party. The Chief Whip leads them and keeps the party united.
Mark Spencer (Chief Whip): Ensures Conservative MPs align with the government on key issues like NHS funding and budget votes.
Nick Brown (Labour Party Chief Whip): Maintains party unity within Labour on key issues like economic reforms and public sector changes.
The composition of the House of Commons:
What is role of The Speaker of the Commons? (use two examples)
The Speaker makes sure debates are fair and orderly, choosing who can speak and enforcing the rules.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle (Speaker): Ensures order in debates, overseeing discussions 2, while remaining neutral.
The composition of the House of Commons:
What is role of the leader of the opposition? (use one example)
The Leader of the Opposition leads the main party not in power, challenges government policies, and offers alternatives.
2024, Starmer criticizes government policies and holds the government accountable while preparing for the next election.
The main functions of the HOC:
How does the HOC perform the function of legislation successfully? (use two examples)
Nationality and Borders Act 2022: aimed to deter illegal immigration by introducing tougher penalties. However, Labour MPs, such as Yvette Cooper, argued it would harm vulnerable refugees and migrants. This demonstrates the House of Commons’ role in creating laws with different impacts. It also shows scrutiny and debate in our system allow the government to be scrutinised over their decisions.
Health and Social Care Levy 2021: Introduced to increase National Insurance contributions with conservative MPs supporting it arguing it was necessary for healthcare funding post-pandemic However Labour MPs e.g. Rachel Reeves, argues it burdens low-income earners. Shows HOC’s role in public funding.
The main functions of the HOC:
How does the HOC perform the function of scrutiny successfully? (use two examples)
Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) - February 2024
In February 2024, during PMQs, opposition MPs questioned Prime Minister Rishi Sunak about the government’s handling of the NHS crisis and rising healthcare waiting times. Labour leader Keir Starmer specifically challenged Sunak on the lack of funding and inadequate response to staffing shortages. This weekly debate provides a platform for MPs to scrutinize the government’s actions on key issues, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Debate on the Cost of Living Crisis - March 2024
In March 2024, MPs debated the government’s response to the ongoing cost of living crisis, where inflation was impacting food prices and energy costs. Labour MPs proposed raising the minimum wage and further support for struggling families, while Conservative MPs defended their economic policies. This debate highlighted how the House of Commons scrutinizes government policies on economic issues, holding the government accountable for its actions and proposing alternatives.
The main functions of the HOC:
How does the HOC perform the function of representation successfully? (use two examples)
Local Government Finance Bill 2024:
In January 2024, MPs voted on the bill allocating funds to local councils. MPs from areas like the North East, such as Ian Mearns, advocated for increased funding to address local issues like housing and infrastructure. This highlighted the House’s role in addressing regional needs and ensuring fair representation of local concerns.
NHS Funding Debate - March 2024:
In March 2024, MPs debated the need to increase NHS funding to address the growing treatment backlog exacerbated by the pandemic. MPs from constituencies with aging populations, such as in Scotland, emphasized the need for more investment in elderly care. This debate showcased the House of Commons’ function in representing the diverse healthcare needs of various demographic groups.
The main functions of the HOC:
How does the HOC perform the function of legislation unsuccessfully? (use two examples)
Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill 2021:
Despite strong opposition from civil rights groups this bill was fast-tracked through Parliament in 2021. The bill restricted protest rights and granted police broader powers, with minimal amendments. This highlighted how government control can hinder thorough scrutiny.
Internal Market Bill 2020:
Raised concerns about undermining the GFA because it could change the rules of trade between NI and ROI after Brexit this could create a harder border resulting in conflict between the two countries. However, the bill passed with limited scrutiny, as the Conservative government used its majority to override opposition. This demonstrated how government control can sideline effective scrutiny.
The main functions of the HOC:
How does the HOC perform the function of scrutiny unsuccessfully? (use two examples)
Nationality and Borders Bill 2022:
Despite opposition from MPs like Caroline Lucas and concerns about human rights violations, the Nationality and Borders Bill passed in 2022 with key amendments rejected, such as provisions to protect refugees. This fast-tracked legislation showed how government control can limit scrutiny and prevent important issues from being fully addressed.
Brexit Withdrawal Agreement 2019:
The Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, passed in 2019, faced major division within the House and the country. Despite opposition from “Remain” supporters, the government pushed the deal through with party-political maneuvers, including proroguing Parliament, which undermined thorough debate and led to the passage of the deal amidst widespread division.
The main functions of the HOC:
How does the HOC perform the function of representation unsuccessfully? (use two examples)
Underrepresentation of Women and Minorities (2019 General Election):
In the 2019 general election, women made up only 34% of MPs, and ethnic minorities represented just 10%, despite being 14% of the UK population. This underrepresentation limits the focus on issues like gender pay gaps, racial discrimination, and access to healthcare, which may not receive enough attention in Parliament.
Disproportionate Influence of Wealthy Constituencies (2019 General Election - Conservative “Red Wall” Collapse):
In the 2019 general election, constituencies in affluent areas like the South East, where voter turnout was higher, had a significant influence on the Conservative Party’s success. Meanwhile, Labour strongholds in the North, such as seats in the “Red Wall,” shifted to the Conservatives, often due to dissatisfaction with Labour policies. This shift highlighted how wealthier, middle-class areas have disproportionate influence over the legislative agenda.
The main functions of the HOL:
How does the HOL perform the functions of legislation successfully? (use two examples)
Environment Act (2021):
The House of Lords proposed significant amendments to enhance the government’s environmental targets, focusing on biodiversity protection and air quality. The government accepted these amendments, resulting in stronger environmental provisions in the final bill. The HoL effectively used its expertise to improve the bill’s environmental standards, demonstrating their role in shaping legislation through scrutiny and amendment.
Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill (2021):
The HoL proposed several amendments to protect civil liberties, particularly around the right to protest. Some of these amendments, like safeguards for protests, were accepted by the government. Although the bill was contentious, the HoL’s amendments helped to introduce stronger protections for individual freedoms, showing their role in improving legislation even on controversial issues.
The main functions of the HOL:
How does the HOL perform the functions of scrutiny successfully? (use two examples)
Brexit Withdrawal Agreement (2020):
The HoL proposed amendments to ensure better protections for workers’ rights and environmental standards in the Brexit deal. However, these amendments were largely rejected by the government due to political priorities and pressure to expedite the process. Despite strong scrutiny, the HoL’s influence was limited as the government pushed ahead with its Brexit agenda, illustrating that party-political pressure can diminish the effectiveness of the House of Lords’ scrutiny.
Coronavirus Act (2020):
The HoL raised concerns about the potential erosion of civil liberties under the Coronavirus Act and proposed amendments to ensure greater parliamentary oversight of the emergency powers granted to ministers. While some amendments were made, many of their concerns were ignored. The HoL’s scrutiny was constrained by the urgency of the pandemic, and their ability to delay or amend the legislation was limited, showing how emergency situations can restrict thorough scrutiny.
The main functions of the HOL:
How does the HOL perform is function of legislation unsuccessfully? (use two examples)
Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill (2021):
The House of Lords (HoL) proposed several amendments to protect civil liberties, particularly the right to protest, which were largely ignored by the government. The government pushed the bill through unchanged despite considerable opposition from the Lords. Despite the Lords’ amendments, the government, with a strong majority in the House of Commons, rejected the HoL’s proposals. This demonstrated the HoL’s limited ability to influence or block contentious legislation that is strongly supported by the government, particularly when it is backed by the Commons.
Brexit Withdrawal Agreement (2020):
The HoL proposed amendments focused on safeguarding workers’ rights and ensuring stronger environmental protections post-Brexit. Despite detailed scrutiny and multiple proposed amendments, most of these were rejected by the government. The government’s firm stance on Brexit, especially regarding the speed of implementation, led to the HoL’s proposed changes being disregarded. This highlighted the Lords’ limited legislative power when the government is determined to push forward its policies without significant alterations.
The main functions of the HOL:
How does the HOL perform is function of scrutiny unsuccessfully? (use two examples)
Coronavirus Act (2020):
The HoL was criticized for its ineffective scrutiny of the Coronavirus Act, which was fast-tracked due to the urgent need to address the pandemic. Some amendments were proposed but were not adequately debated or addressed in depth. The urgent need for the law and the rapid progression of the legislation meant that the HoL was unable to provide thorough scrutiny or amend provisions effectively. This limited their capacity to challenge the emergency powers granted to the government, reflecting the HoL’s inability to delay or influence legislation during times of crisis.
National Security and Investment Bill (2021):
The HoL raised concerns about the bill’s broad powers allowing the government to intervene in business transactions for national security reasons, but their concerns were largely ignored. Despite some debate and raised concerns about the bill’s implications, the Lords lacked the political leverage to influence the bill’s passage. The National Security and Investment Bill proceeded with minimal amendments, showing how the HoL’s ability to challenge the government on national security issues was limited.
The main functions of the HOL:
How does the HOL perform is function of legislation unsuccessfully? (use two examples)
Nationality and Borders Bill (2022)
The HoL proposed multiple amendments to the Nationality and Borders Bill, particularly around the treatment of asylum seekers and refugees. However, the government ignored these amendments, continuing with policies seen as detrimental to the rights of vulnerable groups. The HoL’s representation of vulnerable groups was ineffective, as their concerns were disregarded by the government. Despite vocal opposition and attempts to represent marginalized groups, the Lords had little impact on the final version of the bill, highlighting their limited role in representing such interests.
Housing Bill (2021):
Despite efforts by the HoL to push for stronger protections for social housing tenants, many amendments were dismissed by the government. For example, calls for greater investment in affordable housing were largely ignored. The HoL was ineffective in representing the interests of lower-income groups in this case. Their amendments aimed at improving housing affordability and tenant protections were rejected, illustrating their limited ability to affect policy that directly impacts disadvantaged communities.
Comparative powers between HOC and HOL:
Comparison of functions between the HOC and HOL in terms of legislative power? (HOC) (use two examples)
Final Authority on Legislation:
Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill (2021): Despite amendments proposed by the House of Lords, especially concerning the right to protest, the HoC passed the bill unchanged. The Lords’ suggestions were not accepted, illustrating the HoC’s ultimate power in enacting legislation. The House of Commons is the primary legislative body with the final authority to pass laws. While the HoL can suggest amendments, it is the HoC that decides which bills are passed, demonstrating its dominant role in shaping UK law.
Ability to Initiate Legislation:
Coronavirus Act (2020): The HoC introduced the Coronavirus Act in response to the urgent public health crisis. Although the HoL later scrutinized the bill, the HoC’s control over the process was evident, with the bill passing swiftly despite concerns. The House of Commons has the power to initiate and drive legislation, particularly for matters considered urgent, such as public health crises. This allows the HoC to shape the legislative agenda and push through necessary laws quickly.
Comparative powers between HOC and HOL:
Comparison of functions between the HOC and HOL in terms of legislative power? (HOL) (use two examples)
Scrutiny and Amendment Role:
Brexit Withdrawal Agreement (2020): The HoL scrutinized the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, suggesting amendments to protect workers’ rights and environmental standards. Although these amendments were rejected by the HoC, they helped stimulate debate and highlighted key issues within the deal. The House of Lords plays a crucial role in reviewing and amending legislation. It uses its expertise to propose revisions, but its power is limited as the final decision lies with the elected House of Commons.
Delaying and Revising Legislation:
Nationality and Borders Bill (2022): The HoL raised concerns about the human rights implications of the Nationality and Borders Bill, proposing changes to protect refugees and asylum seekers. However, the HoC pushed the bill through with minimal changes While the House of Lords can delay legislation and propose revisions, it lacks the power to ultimately block bills. The Lords’ ability to influence the final law is limited, as the HoC can override their amendments and pass the bill without substantial changes.
Comparative powers between HOC and HOL:
Comparison of functions between the HOC and HOL in terms of scrutiny of the government? (HOC) (use two examples)
Active Role in Questioning Government:
The COVID-19 Response (2020-2021): The House of Commons played a critical role in scrutinizing the government’s handling of the pandemic. MPs questioned the government’s decisions on lockdowns, testing rollouts, and financial support, ensuring that government actions were debated in public. The HoC is the primary body where government actions are scrutinized through debates, questions, and committee reports. MPs, especially from opposition parties, hold the government accountable by questioning its policies, which leads to adjustments in response to public concerns and expert recommendations.
Committee Oversight: The AUKUS Defence Pact (2021): MPs in the HoC raised concerns about the AUKUS defence pact, especially regarding its impact on UK security and international relations with China. Parliamentary committees held inquiries into the pact’s implications. Committees in the House of Commons are instrumental in scrutinizing government decisions. These committees investigate issues in depth and provide detailed reports that hold the government accountable. This enables MPs to challenge government policies and seek clarity or revisions.
Comparative powers between HOC and HOL:
Comparison of functions between the HOC and HOL in terms of scrutiny of the government? (HOL) (use two examples)
Detailed Legislative Review:
In the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement (2020), the HoL proposed amendments focusing on the protection of citizens’ rights, workers’ rights, and the Northern Ireland protocol. The Lords suggested more robust protections for workers post-Brexit and clearer language on citizens’ rights, but these amendments were rejected by the government. Despite this, the HoL’s role in scrutinizing the deal was significant, highlighting gaps and concerns that needed attention. This scrutiny showcased the HoL’s expertise in identifying flaws and ensuring a comprehensive debate on key issues.
Scrutinizing Emergency Laws:
The Coronavirus Act (2020) granted ministers significant powers to alter laws rapidly in response to the pandemic. The HoL raised concerns about the lack of parliamentary oversight and suggested amendments to limit the powers and duration of emergency measures. For example, they proposed that certain powers be reviewed every six months. The HoL’s scrutiny was essential to ensure that the government did not overstep its authority, providing a check on the rapid and sweeping changes that were being implemented.
How does the HOC interact with the executive:
How does the HOC interact with the executive (the government through representation successfully? (use two examples)
Representing Public Opinion:
In the Domestic Abuse Bill (2020), MPs in the HoC pushed for stronger protections for domestic abuse victims, especially focusing on children who witness abuse. The HoC debated and amended the bill to ensure it better addressed the needs of those affected by domestic violence, adding provisions for children’s welfare and expanding the definition of domestic abuse. The bill was ultimately passed with these adjustments, reflecting the HoC’s role in representing the concerns of the public. This case illustrates the HoC’s ability to advocate for laws that meet public needs and improve societal protections.
Advocating for Marginalized Groups:
During debates on the Affordable Homes Bill (2021), MPs emphasized the need for more investment in affordable housing to address the housing crisis, particularly for low-income communities. They proposed amendments aimed at strengthening protections for social housing tenants and securing more funding for affordable housing development. Although many proposals were rejected, the HoC’s efforts reflected a commitment to improving the living conditions of vulnerable groups. This showcases the HoC’s role in representing marginalized populations and pushing for legislation that addresses inequality.
How does the HOC interact with the executive:
How does the HOL interact with the executive (the government through representation successfully? (use two examples)
Representing Vulnerable Groups;
The HoL played a key role in scrutinizing the Nationality and Borders Bill (2022), particularly its impact on refugees and asylum seekers. The Lords proposed amendments to ensure that the bill complied with international human rights standards, emphasizing protections for vulnerable groups. For instance, they sought to limit the bill’s punitive measures against those arriving in the UK without authorization. This demonstrates the HoL’s role in advocating for vulnerable populations, ensuring that human rights are upheld in immigration legislation.
Expert and Diverse Representation:
In the Housing Bill (2021), the HoL raised concerns about the lack of adequate tenant protections and proposed increasing investment in affordable housing. The Lords pushed for stronger safeguards for social housing tenants and better funding to address housing shortages. Although many of their proposals were not accepted, the HoL’s efforts demonstrated its role in providing expert insights on social issues like housing. This highlights the HoL’s capacity to represent both marginalized groups and expert knowledge, especially in areas requiring specialized understanding.
How does the HOC interact with the executive:
How does the HOC interact with the executive (the government through legislation unsuccessfully? (use two examples)
Fast-tracking of Brexit Legislation (2019 - European Union Withdrawal Agreement Bill):
The government rushed the European Union Withdrawal Agreement Bill through the HoC to meet the Brexit deadline of January 31, 2020. This fast-tracking limited time for detailed examination and amendments, leaving important issues, like future trade relations and Northern Ireland’s status, inadequately discussed. The rushed process led to flaws that surfaced later. This highlights how fast-tracking can undermine the quality of legislation, resulting in potential gaps and unforeseen consequences.
The Internal Market Bill (2020):
The Internal Market Bill was introduced to ensure goods could move freely within the UK post-Brexit but contained clauses that allowed the government to break international law. Despite opposition from other parties and legal experts, the HoC passed the bill without significant changes, aided by the government’s majority. This case highlights how a dominant party can push through controversial legislation with minimal scrutiny. The HoC’s legislative power can sometimes be used to pass laws with limited debate, potentially undermining the quality of the legislative process.
How does the HOC interact with the executive:
How does the HOC interact with the executive (the government through representation unsuccessfully? (use two examples)
Underrepresentation of Minorities and Women:
The House of Commons faces challenges in representing the diversity of the UK population. For example, in the 2019 General Election, women made up only 34% of MPs, and ethnic minorities represented about 10%. This underrepresentation can lead to policies that overlook the needs of these groups, particularly in areas like healthcare and education. The lack of diversity limits the perspectives in policy discussions, which can result in decisions that fail to address the full range of public concerns.
The Overrepresentation of Safe Seats:
The first-past-the-post electoral system results in “safe seats,” where one party dominates, and the vote outcome is almost certain. In safe constituencies like Haltemprice and Howden, many voters feel their votes don’t impact the election outcome. This system distorts national representation, as seen in the 2019 General Election when the Conservative Party won 56.2% of seats despite only securing 43.6% of the vote. Safe seats lead to an imbalance in representation, making certain areas overrepresented while others remain underrepresented.
How does the HOC interact with the executive:
How does the HOC interact with the executive (the government through scrutiny unsuccessfully? (use two examples)
COVID-19 Pandemic Response (2020):
The HoL scrutinized the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, raising concerns over the adequacy of public health measures and the impact on vulnerable groups. Lords called for more transparency and better protection for high-risk populations, holding the executive accountable for its response. Their questions and debates pushed the government to refine its strategy, especially regarding testing and PPE distribution. This scrutiny highlighted the Lords’ role in ensuring government actions were transparent and accountable during a national crisis.
AUKUS Pact (2021):
The HoL scrutinized the AUKUS defense pact between the UK, the US, and Australia, questioning the lack of parliamentary consultation and the potential diplomatic fallout. Lords raised concerns about the implications for the UK’s foreign policy and relations with France, particularly around the nuclear submarine deal. Their debates forced the government to address the strategic consequences of joining the pact. This scrutiny demonstrated the HoL’s critical role in examining foreign policy decisions and ensuring government actions align with national interests.
The role and significance of the opposition:
How does the opposition perform its role of scrutiny? (use two examples)
The Opposition’s Role in the COVID-19 Pandemic (2020)
During the COVID-19 crisis, opposition parties, led by Sir Keir Starmer, scrutinized the government’s delayed response to lockdowns, NHS resources, and PPE shortages. They pushed for better support for businesses and workers, as well as clearer guidance. Their questioning highlighted areas needing improvement, such as the pace of government action. This scrutiny pressured the government to adapt its approach in response to public concerns.
The Opposition’s Role in the Brexit Process (2016-2020)
Throughout the Brexit process, opposition parties like Labour and the Liberal Democrats scrutinized the government’s withdrawal deal. They raised concerns about the economic impact on working-class communities and potential harm to the NHS due to reduced EU worker access. This scrutiny brought important issues to the forefront, including workers’ rights and environmental standards. It ensured public concerns were considered during the Brexit negotiations.
The role and significance of the opposition:
How does the opposition perform its role of giving choice/alternative proposals? (use two examples)
Labour’s Alternative Economic Strategy (2020):
In response to the government’s handling of the economy during COVID-19, Labour proposed an alternative economic strategy to protect jobs and businesses. They called for stronger measures, such as enhanced furlough schemes, and more government investment in public services. This alternative provided a counter-narrative to the government’s approach, emphasizing a more social-safety-net-focused response. It presented the public with different ways to mitigate the economic fallout of the crisis.
Liberal Democrat’s Electoral Reform Proposals (2019):
The Liberal Democrats proposed replacing the UK’s First-Past-the-Post system with proportional representation (PR). They argued that PR would better reflect voter preferences and allow smaller parties to gain more representation. Their advocacy for electoral reform sparked public debate about improving the fairness of the political system. This alternative challenged the status quo and highlighted flaws in the existing voting system.
The role and significance of the opposition:
How does the opposition not perform its role of scrutiny? (use two examples)
2019 General Election – Conservative Majority:
In the 2019 General Election, the Conservative Party gained a strong majority, enabling them to pass significant legislation like the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement. Despite opposition from Labour and the Liberal Democrats, the government pushed forward with its Brexit agenda without facing substantial resistance. Their dominant position in Parliament allowed them to control the legislative process. The strong majority meant the opposition had limited ability to block key policies.
Internal Market Bill (2020):
The Conservative government used its majority to pass the Internal Market Bill, which aimed to rewrite parts of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement. Despite strong opposition from Labour, the Liberal Democrats, and the SNP, the government pushed the bill through the HoC. Critics warned that the bill could undermine international law and the UK’s constitutional integrity. The government’s dominance in Parliament allowed them to pass the bill with little interference from opposition parties.
The role and significance of the opposition:
How does the opposition not perform its role of giving choice/alternative proposals through lack of unity? (use two examples)
Brexit (2016-2019):
The opposition parties were divided on how to handle Brexit, weakening their ability to challenge the government. Labour was split between those wanting a second referendum and those prioritizing the results of the 2016 vote. The Liberal Democrats were firm in their stance to remain in the EU, while other parties had differing views. This lack of unity allowed the Conservative government to maintain control over Brexit, limiting the opposition’s influence.
Syria Airstrike Debate (2018):
In 2018, the UK government launched airstrikes in Syria, and the opposition was divided on the decision. The Labour Party, led by Jeremy Corbyn, opposed the airstrikes, while other parties like the Liberal Democrats supported the action. This division within the opposition weakened their ability to challenge the government’s foreign policy. The lack of a unified stance on Syria limited the opposition’s effectiveness in holding the government accountable.
