Parliament A01 Flashcards
What scandal did the Select Committee uncover in 2011?
The Rupert Murdoch phone hacking scandal, which led to the closure of the News of the World.
How long did Johnson wait to meet with the Liaison Committee?
Over 500 days into his premiership.
What was introduced in response to a select committee report in 2015?
The Sugar tax.
Who brought attention to the obesity crisis?
TV Chef Jamie Oliver.
What is a notable feature of Select Committees?
They have no time-limits.
How long did Cummings give evidence on the COVID inquiry?
7 hours.
What happened to the recommendations to fix Universal Credit in 2021?
They were completely disregarded.
What reform was introduced in 2010 regarding select committees?
Chairs of select committees were elected by secret ballot.
What lie did the Committee not uncover regarding Amber Rudd?
That the Home Office had no deportation targets.
How many amendments did Jeremy Hunt’s Reform Act have?
Over 1000 amendments.
What led to the general election after May’s Brexit deal defeats?
Johnson’s new deal.
What privilege do MPs have?
Parliamentary Privilege (freedom of speech).
Who controls committees in Parliament?
Whips.
What input did the BMA make?
On COVID policy.
What evidence did PETA submit?
For the Animal Welfare Bill.
What does the 1911 Parliament Act state?
The House of Lords can only delay Bills for 1 year.
What is the Salisbury Convention?
It states that the House of Lords cannot oppose policy from the government’s manifesto.
What happened to the Dubs amendment in 2020?
It was overturned by the Commons.
What was the outcome of George Osborne’s tax credits cut during the coalition?
It was voted against by the Lords, leading to Osborne retracting the Bill.
What is a feature of the House of Lords regarding time-limits?
Lords have a job for life, so there are no time-limits.
What did the Lords rebel over in 2016?
The Dubs Agreement.
What did the 1999 House of Lords Act do?
Limited hereditary peers to 92.
What are Crossbench Lords?
Non-partisan Lords with no government majority.
What is broadcasted during Ministers’ questions and PMQs?
The sessions are broadcasted.
What can the Liaison Committee do?
It can question the Prime Minister directly.
What expertise does the House of Lords have?
Expertise from many different areas.
Who fights institutional racism and promotes police reform?
Baroness Lawrence.
What percentage of the House of Lords are Bishops?
14% (26 Bishops).
Who stands for mental health in the House of Lords?
Lord Adebowale.
What amendment was made to the Children Act in 2018?
To cover FGM.
What percentage of the House of Lords are from a minority background?
Only 6%.
What was the percentage of minorities in the UK population in 2011?
13%.
How many women were in the House of Lords in 2021?
231 out of 829 members.
How many crossbenchers are in the House of Lords?
182 members.
What happened to the Rwanda Bill amendments in 2023/24?
They were rejected.
How many members of the House of Lords are Conservatives?
278 members.
How many peers did Cameron appoint overall?
245 peers (10.5 peers/year).
What was the local election turnout in 2018?
Only 36%.
What was the Greater London Authority referendum turnout in 1998?
33%.
What was significant about Cameron’s appointment as a Lord?
It was the first time since the 1970s that a former PM served in a successor’s Cabinet.
What triggers a vote of no confidence in the 1922 Committee?
15% of MPs writing a letter of no confidence to the chairman.
What happened in 1979 regarding a vote of no confidence?
Conservatives triggered a vote of no confidence in the Labour party, losing by 1 vote.
What happened in 2022 regarding Johnson and a vote of no confidence?
Johnson survived a vote of no confidence amid a large Tory rebellion.
What rumors circulated about a Conservative whip’s ‘Black Book’?
It contained misdemeanours of party members.
How many MPs voted against Johnson’s new COVID-19 tier system in 2020?
55 MPs voted against it, and 16 abstained.
What was the biggest rebellion for Johnson in 2021?
Over 70 Tory rebels against Plan B restrictions for Omicron.
How are backbench MPs engaged with the electorate?
They are actively engaged.
What can the Backbench Business Committee do?
It can question the PM publicly at PMQs.
How many days did the Backbench Business Committee choose the topic of debate in 2010?
55 days.
What was introduced via Private Members Bill in 1967?
The Abortion Act.
What was the Protection of Children Bill about?
It was aimed at protecting children from indecent photos.
What is a challenge faced by Private Members Bills?
They are easily blocked with the phrase ‘I oppose’.
How many votes of no confidence did Thatcher face in 11 years?
4 votes of no confidence.
How many opposition days are there in Parliament?
20 opposition days.
How is the Official Opposition funded?
By short money.
What can the House of Lords do regarding Bills?
They can amend or delay Bills.
What was Blair’s association with New Labour?
He had a personal association with it.
What did Johnson take responsibility for?
The ‘Get Brexit Done’ campaign.
How was Cameron perceived during the coalition from 2010-2015?
Not seen as an individual leader.
What did Johnson do to No. 10?
He kitted it out with a press room and appointed a TV spokesperson.
What did Blair do regarding policy announcements?
He announced policies on media without consulting MPs.
What was a notable media attention during the pandemic?
Hancock’s actions.
What initiative did Sunak promote under Johnson?
‘Eat Out to Help Out’.
How do British MPs feel at PMQs compared to US Presidents?
British MPs face humiliation, whereas US Presidents are respected.
What methods did Blair use for decision-making?
Cabinet committees and 1-2-1 chats.
Who were notable SpADs for different Prime Ministers?
Blair (Campbell), Johnson (Cummings), May (Timothy).
How did Cameron make decisions?
With the ‘Quad’.
What is a significant fact about the PM’s electoral mandate?
The PM does not have a personal electoral mandate.
How can Prime Ministers be removed?
Without an election (e.g., Thatcher, Johnson, Truss).
