select committees are the most effective way for the house of commons to hold the government to account

Question 1

In-Depth Scrutiny of Government Departments

Answer 1

According to the Institute for Government, about 40% of select committee recommendations are accepted by the government, either fully or partially.

vs 6% of PMBs on average

Amber Rudd held to account in 2018 on misleading the Home Affairs Select Committee on deportation targets–led to her eventual resignation

Question 2

Expert-Led and Cross-Party Work

Answer 2

Wright reforms of 2010 – HOC select commitees elected by whole house not selected by whips as reward

Question 3

Public Accountability and Media Attention

Answer 3

Many committee hearings are televised, and key reports gain wide media attention—especially when ministers are grilled or controversial issues are raised.

Question 4

PMQs and Urgent Questions Offer Real-Time Accountability

Answer 4

Keir Starmer has used PMQs to challenge Conservative PMs on key issues like Partygate, NHS backlogs, and inflation, placing public pressure on the government.

Question 5

Debates and Votes in the Chamber Can Have Direct Impact

Answer 5

Theresa May’s Brexit deal was defeated three times in the Commons in 2019 following extensive debate and scrutiny by MPs.

Question 6

Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is Particularly Powerful

Answer 6

The PAC exposed massive overspending on NHS Test and Trace, labelling it as poor value for money.