Parliament 6.5- MPs Flashcards
Key points about MPs
+ MPs all represent a constituency.
+ Virtually all MPs are part of a specific political party, although some MPs
have been elected as ‘independent’ MPs in the past.
+ MPs enjoy parliamentary privilege, which means they are free from outside interference and cannot be prosecuted or sued for anything they say within the House of Commons.
+ MPs who are not members of the government or the leadership of their
party are known as backbenchers.
Parliamentary privilege
An ancient principle that protects MPs from external pressure and specifically means they cannot be prosecuted or sued for anything they may say in the House of Commons. It also implies that the monarch can never interfere with the work of the UK Parliament.
Backbenchers
MPs and peers who are not senior members of their party and so sit in Parliament behind the front bench.
Functions of backbench MPs
+ They can initiate legislation through private members’ bills.
+ They represent the interests of their constituents.
+ They can threaten a backbench rebellion by voting against the wishes of their party leadership.
+ They can scrutinise government policy and decisions.
+ They can take positions of leadership in the House of Commons by becoming select committee chairs.
+ They can ask parliamentary questions and take part in debates.
How can MPs initiate legislation ?
Through private members bills
Private Members’ Bills
Legislation introduced by individual backbench MPs. These bills do not necessarily have the backing of government.
How can MPs threaten a backbench rebellion ?
By voting against the wishes of their party leadership
How can MPs take positions of leadership in the HOC?
By becoming select committee chairs
MPs are influential
Arguments for
Backbenchers have been increasingly willing to ‘defy the whip’ and vote against the government, helping the Commons to hold the government to account. Example: in 2020 thirty-eight Tory backbenchers voted against government plans to allow Huawei to be used in the UK’s 5G mobile network. While the government won the vote, it changed its policy shortly afterwards.
The creation of the Backbench Business Committee (BBC) has allowed backbenchers a greater say on which issues are raised and discussed in the House of Commons. Example: in December 2020 the BBC secured a debate on raising awareness about teenage cancer.
Backbenchers have more influence in hung parliaments, increasing their ability to call into question the actions of government. Example: between 2017 and 2019, when no party enjoyed a majority, the Speaker accepted a far higher number of urgent questions, which allow backbench MPs to summon ministers to the House of Commons to answer questions on an urgent matter.
MPs are influential
Arguments against
Limitations on influence
Party whips still control the vast majority of voting outcomes and backbench MPs are loath to risk a future promotion by voting against their party leadership. It is very rare for a backbench rebellion to lead to a defeat of a majority government.
Many of the debates that the BBC wins time for are held in Westminster Hall and not in the House of Commons. The debates held in Westminster do not enjoy the same status as those held in the House of Commons. There is often no vote after these debates and so their influence is limited.
Backbencher have less influence when the government has a majority, as rebellions can be more easily overcome.
