Parliament - interactions with the executive

Question 1

Backbenchers - Strengths and reasons why

Answer 1

Parliamentary privilege - MPs speak without fear of repercussion
BBC - The committee chooses topics for debate 35 days a year from individual MPs or E Petitions
Since 2007, BB more willing to oppose gov, often wanting their amendments to vote
Since 2010 wright reforms removing whips choosing of SC members, the SC even more willing to oppose.- Bar Hodge on PAC called corps to pay tax
Bercow reintroduced UQs which promotes BB rights

Question 2

Limits to BB Power

Answer 2

Whips - Carrot (Positive reports to PM) or stick (Deselection, - promo) to force party line voting - Three line whip Cameron EU Ref
Lack of resources - Few researchers and staff
Majority - The overwhelming power gov can have

Question 3

Sway voting with or against gov

Answer 3

Ambition - If long term gov, they will vote to please gov for promo
Keeping seat - If PM popular, will help re election by supporting them
Likes PM agenda
Dislikes PM agenda

Question 4

Select Committees - Public Account Committee

Answer 4

Chair is always opposition, payed more
Members act independently of party affiliation
Call witnesses from in or out of parliament,
High profile cases expose government wrongdoing
2016 Google tax 130M for 10 years too low, result HMRC Granted powers 2017 to deal with tax avoidance
2020 Gambling and the vulnerable - Critical of bad impact, result 2020 Proposal to ban credit cards online

Question 5

Select Committees - Departmental select committees

Answer 5

Chair and members can be from any party, but majority % is represented
Members usually act independent, unanimous verdicts
Call witnesses from in or out of parliament, must attend
2016 Business, innovation and skills com, Sports direct underpaying workers, forced to comp
2020 Transport com, impact of covid on avi industry. Condemned BA for employee treatment, Urged end to 14 day quarantine

Question 6

Liaison committee

Answer 6

Consists of heads of all committees
PM should be before them twice a year for scrutiny
Johnson has cancelled several appearances
Overall very weak

Question 7

Opposition

Answer 7

Leader is recognised by constitution, increase in pay
Asks questions at PMQs and chooses topic of 20 Opposition days debate
2017 Saw strong opposition as May weak, genuine impact possible. Vote of no con, no bills passed by CON
Gov in waiting, ready to take over
Represent ignored society - Lab workers rights, Green Eco

Question 8

Ministers questions/accountability

Answer 8

‘Questions to Ministers’ days - Must face questions from members, and respond to written questions
DSC or PAC - Questioning on policies or performance of department. More effective than QtM days
PMQs - Largely publicity, with questions known ahead of time and misbehaviour