Parliament Flashcards

Question

What is an example of ping-pong?

Answer 1

>The Illegal Immigration (Rwanda) Bill went through multiple rounds of ping-pong between the House of Commons and the House of Lords in early 2023. The Parliament Acts were not needed because the Lords did not outright veto the bill; instead, they used amendments to express their disagreement. The bill passed at the end with not many changes made according to lords amendments.

Answer 2

In the 2023–24 session, a total of 68 bills became law, comprising: Government Bills: 43 bills (approximately 63%), Private Members' Bills: 15 bills (approximately 22%), Private Bills: 1 bill (approximately 1%)

Answer 3

Assisted dying bill: 2024 - Introduced by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, the bill passed with a majority of 55, despite significant opposition.

Answer 4

> Nov2020, the government imposed a three-line whip for the vote on the Second National Lockdown in England, ensuring that MPs adhered to the government's position on further restriction >2019, the Conservative Party enforced a three-line whip for the confidence vote in Boris Johnson’s leadership following various votes on Brexit amendments.

Answer 5

Effective: 2024 - Starmer pressed Sunak on the impact of government policies on households, particularly around energy bills and inflation. Starmer highlighted the government's inability to fully address the financial struggles faced by families. facilitating debate on critical issues like economic inequality and public welfare.

Answer 6

2024 -25: Whenever Starmar is criticised about financial policies or future plans, he emphasises £22bn ‘black hole’ rather than providing a concrete answer; he shifts the blame.

Answer 7

> In 2024, the PAC held the government to account over wasteful spending in the NHS and the handling of public funds during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the government did not adopt all the recommendations, it led to a broader discussion in Parliament on how public finances should be managed. > In 2024, the Constitution (lords) committee examined the Internal Market Act and its potential impacts on devolution. The Act, which gave the UK government greater control over trade between devolved nations, contributing to ongoing debates about the future of devolution in the UK.

Answer 8

> 2023 Health and Social Care Committee produced a series of reports calling for urgent reforms and additional funding, but the government's response was often to note ongoing work or delays due to financial constraints. here was little evidence of immediate government action or policy change in response to the committee's work. > 2022: The Industry and Regulators Committee published a report criticizing the government's lack of long-term strategy for tackling rising energy bills calling for a more comprehensive energy policy - the government continued to rely on temporary measures like energy price caps and subsidies, which did not address the root causes of the energy crisis.

Answer 9

> The Brexit Withdrawal Agreement had numerous debates on the deal, particularly in December 2019, as the government sought approval for the agreement.These debates provided a platform for detailed scrutiny of the government's negotiating strategy, terms of the deal, and the potential impact on the UK economy

Answer 10

> The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill sparked debates in Parliament about the balance between public order and civil liberties many of the concerns raised by MPs regarding the erosion of civil liberties, the criminalization of protest were ignored at the bill was passed.

Answer 11

> Zarah Sultancampaigned for improved mental health services in her constituency, where there has been significant demand for better mental health care. (cov - labour), In 2022, Sultana successfully pushed for increased funding for mental health services in Coventry, resulting in more resources for local NHS Trusts. She was also instrumental in securing a new mental health facility in the region. > In 2019, Heidi Allen, a Conservative MP at the time, faced significant pressure from her constituents in South Cambridgeshire, many of whom supported remaining in the EU. Despite the constituency’s pro-Remain sentiment, Allen followed the party line and voted for the government’s Brexit deal under Prime Minister Theresa May.

Answer 12

Commons has exclusive authority — to give consent to taxation and public expenditure, Commons can exercise power in confidence and supply agreement

Answer 13

All party palriamentary groups: encourage cross party support and input, reduce partisanship, effective scrutiny >APPGs on Disability works to ensure that the rights and needs of disabled people are considered in policy-making. The APPG's efforts have been reflected in the implementation of the Equality Act 2010, which provides comprehensive protections against discrimination for disabled people and promotes equal opportunities.

Answer 14

- The PAC (public accounts committee) investigated the procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic and their findings led to increased transparency in procurement processes and highlighted the need for better preparation for future public health emergencies.

Answer 15

Over 60 Conservatives MPs revolted against Rishi over amending the bill to ensure UK and international law could not be used to delay a person being sent to Rwanda

Answer 16

acts mainly as a revising chamber, proposing amendments to government legislation, which is up to the government to decide whether to accept or reject. It can delay non-financial legislation for 1 year.

Answer 17

The power of the Lords is also constrained by the 1945 Salisbury convention the Parliament act of 1911 and 1949, lack the democratic legitimacy of an elected chamber.

Answer 18

Removal of most hereditary peers from the Lords in 1999 meant that the upper house was now dominated by life peers, who have been appointed for service due to sector expertise. This increased the Lords' sense of legitimacy

Answer 19

Cross-bench peers also began to play a more important role in holding the government to account. As neutral figures, they are more likely to assess a bill on its merits and to decide accordingly whether to support or oppose the government.

Answer 20

> Lord Alton proposed an amendment to prohibit the use of materials produced with forced labour. This amendment aimed to ensure that the UK's net-zero initiatives do not inadvertently support unethical labour practices. Despite support in the House of Lords, the government opposed the measure, arguing that existing mechanisms are sufficient to address these concerns. > February 2025 the Lords voted for an amendment to the Data Bill. The amendment, for which both Paul McCartney and Elton John had been arguing in the run-up to the vote, would limit the ability of AI companies to ‘scrape’ existing creative work, violating – so the musicians and others argued – their copyright. It remains to be seen if the government accepts the Lords' amendment as the Bill,

Answer 21

There are 180 crossbencher peers preventing the government from forming a majority which leads to better scrutiny of the bill and can lead to influencing the government to alter or change their legislation.

Answer 22

Weak party disciple: his occurs because, being non-elected, peers do not need to enforce the whip. > Harder to pass legislation as Lord's political careers are not their primary careers (not afraid of defying the whip) , without over-reliance on party loyalty and party ideology, gov Withdrawal agreement defeated 2020 433 votes to 165 in spite of cons having most peers. > Rwanda Bills the game of ping pong finished after the Bill was thrown between the Houses four times for revision.

Answer 23

> In the ‘partially reformed’ Lords, there is a balance between Conservative and Labour representation: Since the 2019 election, Borris Johnson was defeated just 4 times in the House of Commons but 243 times in the House of Lords

Answer 24

> Lord Black of Brentwood - Pet abduction act 2024: Act addresses the growing concern of pet theft by creating specific offences for commonly owned pets - It received Royal Assent on 24 May 2024. >Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2024: Introduced as a private member's bill by Baroness Hobhouse - aimed to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace and drive a cultural change.

Answer 25

In response to recommendations from the House of Lords' post-legislative scrutiny committee on the Mental Capacity Act 2005, the government introduced the Mental Capacity Act 2018 to simplify the process, involve families more closely, and provide swifter access to assessments in response to Lords Recommendations

Answer 26

>In July 2021, the House of Lords Communication and Digital Committee published the outcome of its inquiry into the government’s Online Safety Bill. They issued a warning that the bill posed a ‘threat to free speech’ through its proposed clampdown on ‘legal but harmful’ content. >In January 2025, the Economic Affairs Committee published a report highlighting that spending on incapacity and disability benefits had surpassed defense expenditure, reaching £64.7 billion. The committee called for comprehensive reforms to address the rising costs this could have led to PIP benefit changes in 2025.

Answer 27

April 2021, just days before the parliamentary session was due to end, the Lords finally backed down after their amendments to deal more stringently with stalkers were repeatedly rejected when passing the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. However, for the bill to pass, the govt made a series of compromises to better protect children in difficult domestic break-ups by strengthening standards in child contact centres (neutral meeting places for children and parents).

Answer 28

A public bill is one that impacts the general population, or a large section of the population

Answer 29

European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) 2020 which formally saw Britain withdraw from the European Union

Answer 30

A Private Bill is a bill that impacts a much smaller proportion of the population

Answer 31

New Southgate Cemetary Act (2017) which saw powers given to a local company to increase the size of New Southgate Cemetary.

Answer 32

A Hybrid Bill is a bill that has both the characteristics of a Public Bill and of a Private Bill.

Answer 33

High Speed Rail (West Midlands-Crew) Act 2021. This made provision for the next section of High Speed Rail 2 to be built.

Answer 34

A Private Members Bill is a bill that is introduced by a backbench MP or member of the Lords.

Answer 35

Lord: Female Genital Mutilation Act 2019. This Act extended the powers of the court to protect girls at risk of Female Genital Mutilation. Assisted Dying Bill (October 2024): Labour MP Kim Leadbeater introduced a private members' bill aiming to legalize assisted dying for terminally ill adults in England and Wales. PM permitted Labour MPs a free vote on the bill.

Answer 36

If it is a Private Members Bill it will start in the House of that particular member. If it is a Government Bill, the Government will choose where it starts.

Answer 37

1. green paper 2. white paper 3. First reading 4. Second reading 5. Committee stage 6. Report stage 7. Third reading: 8. House of Lords stages 9. Royal assent

Answer 38

A Green Paper is the first public consultation on a potential bill. In a Green Paper the Government will attempt to seek input from a variety of stakeholders to the issue in question.

Answer 39

A White Paper follows the Green Paper. In this document the Government set out the proposals for their legislation in detail. In this way, it can often be seen as a ‘draft bill’. Following the publication, the Government will continue to seek further feedback before drafting a bill that is ready to be introduced for first reading.

Answer 40

First compulsory stage. The bill is made available to MPs but is not debated or voted on at this stage. If the Bill is a Ten-Minute Rule Bill (in the House of Commons), the First Reading will involve the presenting member giving a speech lasting ten minutes to extoll the virtues of their bill.

Answer 41

Principle of the bill is debated and a vote may be taken if it is contested. If a majority of MPs or Lords vote in favour of the bill, it will advance to Committee Stage. If they do not, the bill will cease at Second Reading.

Answer 42

Climate and Nature Bill (Various Attempts Between 2019 and 2024): Presented multiple times by MPs including Caroline Lucas this bill aimed to ensure the UK addresses its full carbon footprint and actively improves the natural environment. Despite cross-party support, it repeatedly failed to advance past the second reading stage during the 2019–2024 Parliament.

Answer 43

Bill is scrutinised in detail by a public bill committee, formerly known as a standing committee (minimum number of 16 and a maximum of 50), whose membership reflects the strength of the parties in the Commons. Amendments may be made at this stage if the government is prepared to accept them. The Lords will sit as ‘a committee of the whole house’ and all peers are able to take part.

Answer 44

> For the Agriculture Bill of 2020 the committee sought evidence from groups ranging from the National Farmers Union and the RSPCA to companies like Arla Foods. > During the Committee Stage of the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill in 2020 the House of Commons sat as a Committee of the whole house.

Answer 45

Whole House considers amendments made at the committee stage and may accept or reject them. MPs or Lords have the chance to make further amendments to the bill.

Answer 46

Amended bill is debated and voted on by the whole House. If members vote in favour of the bill it then advances to the other house, or to the monarch for Royal Assent if it has already gone though the process in the other house.

Answer 47

Once the bill has been agreed by both Houses it is sent to the Monarch for Royal Assent.

Answer 48

Bill goes through the same stages in the Lords, with the exception of the committee stage, which is carried out by the whole House. Parliamentary

Answer 49

> For example, in 2004 a bill to introduce Tuition Fees in England only passed because Scottish Labour MPs voted for it, even though it would not impact their constituents. > In December 2024, the House of Commons debated the Assisted Dying Bill, which proposed legalizing assisted dying in England and Wales. Despite the bill's geographic focus, Scottish MPs participated in the vote, with 17 voting in favor, 29 against, and 11 abstaining.

Answer 50

> Increasingly significant role in scrutinising: The creation of the Backbench Business Committee in 2010, which is allowed to choose the topic for debate on 35 days in each parliamentary session

Answer 51

On October 16, 2023, the BBCom facilitated a debate on early education and childcare, led by Robin Walker MP - The discussion addressed issues such as underfunding, workforce challenges, and business rates affecting childcare providers. The government responded by acknowledging these concerns and outlined plans to increase funding and launch recruitment campaigns for early years professionals

Answer 52

> An increase in the use of 'urgent questions' — a device which, subject to the approval of the Speaker of the House, allows an MP to raise an important matter requiring an immediate answer from a government minister. > The 2019-21 session averaged 0.5 UQs per sitting day, marking the third-highest average recorded.

Answer 53

> (July 2024): Seven Labour MPs defied party leadership by supporting an amendment to the King's Speech, proposed by the Scottish National Party (SNP), calling for the abolition of the two-child benefit cap. > Over 60 Conservatives MPs revolted against Rishi over amending the bill to ensure UK and international law could not be used to delay a person being sent to Rwanda

Answer 54

Public bill committees give MPs an opportunity to propose amendments to legislation, and each clause of a bill is scrutinised.

Answer 55

However, the government has a majority on these committees and often it will use its position of strength to introduce its own amendments, rather than listening to proposals from opposition MPs.

Answer 56

During early 2024, Barry Gardiner was notably active in the committee stage of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill. His contributions focused on addressing issues related to leasehold properties, advocating for the rights of leaseholders.

Answer 57

Introduce private member bills: Assisted Dying Bill (2021) – Introduced by Baroness Meacher, this bill sought to legalize assisted dying. Although unsuccessful, it reignited debate and led to parliamentary inquiries into end-of-life care

Answer 58

Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill (2022) – Lords, including Baroness Chakrabarti and Lord Paddick, played a key role in securing amendments to controversial protest restrictions, pushing back against measures they argued undermined civil liberties.

Answer 59

Parliamentary Privilege is a principle that allows parliamentarians to carry out their duties as an MP or Lord without fear of legal repercussions. > The right of MPs to have freedom of speech and action on any parliamentary matter and should be able to raise any matter without fear or criminal charges of being sued.

Answer 60

> During the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 a number of sanctions were placed on Russia, Russian businesses and oligarchs by Britain and its western partners. As such, Conservative backbench MP Bob Seely used parliamentary privilege to name some of the British lawyers who were supporting Russian Oligarchs. Had Seely made these remarks outside of Parliament he would likely have been sued for defamation. > In 2010, the Daily Telegraph began publishing the stories relating to a long investigation into MPs expenses. However, when their case when to trial the MPs all claims that they could not be prosecuted because their expenses claims fell under the remit of parliamentary privilege and were therefore part of the exclusive cognisance of Parliament and outside the jurisdiction of the court.

Answer 61

Home Affairs Select Committee (2023): Looked into the UK government’s handling of the asylum backlog and the increase in small boat crossings. Criticized delays in processing asylum claims and raised concerns about conditions at migrant processing centres

Answer 62

> The opposition parties are allocated 20 days a year to propose subjects for debate. Of these, 17 days are at the disposal of the leader of the official opposition — the largest opposition party — leaving the other 3 days to the second-largest opposition party. > 2018 Labour raised issues of the Grenfell Tower fire. 2023: Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting led a debate on the need to expand the NHS workforce to address staffing shortages and reduce waiting times.

Answer 63

> 2023: Following reports that net migration to the UK reached a record 745,000, Starmer accused the Conservatives of having "lost control of the borders.

Answer 64

The 'gladiatorial' nature of the encounter between the prime minister and the leader of the opposition, which tends to reveal more about their respective personalities than it does about the detail of government policy.

Answer 65

Parliamentary questions are tools that can be used by MPs to seek information or to press for action. They oblige Ministers to explain and defend the work, policy decisions and actions of their Departments

Answer 66

entails more detailed questioning and ministers are given notice of oral questions so that they can prepare with the assistance of civil servants.