The Executive Flashcards
What role does the executive have in policy making?
They put forward government policy, parties tend to have varying systems of policy creation and many people get involved. Ultimately the executive get the final say.
Give 2 examples of recent government proposed bills?
Currently the Criminal Justice Bill sponsored by James Cleverly is in the report stage. It aims to amend criminal law including changes to law on things such as begging, rough sleeping and anti-social behaviour.
Data Protection and Digital Information act sponsored by Michelle Donelan which would include changes to the system of accessing consumer information from businesses.
What role does the executive have regarding the budget?
They must establish how much government business will cost and in turn how much revenue must be raised for it. This role is fulfilled by the Chancellor of the exchequer. Although chancellor deals with specifics overall responsibility is still with Prime Minister. The current Chancellor of the Exchequer is Jeremy Hunt after Liz Truss replaced Kwasi Kwarteng in October 2022.
Give 2 Notable examples of recent government budgets?
2023 March Budget - It increased rates of corporation tax from 19% to 25%. Creation of 12 new investment zones where companies will receive tax breaks and other benefits. Commitment to spend an extra 11 billion on defence in the next 5 years.
September 2022 Mini budget - Significantly reduced levels of tax in an attempt to implement trickle down economics and stimulate growth however, it led to major deficits and a collapse in confidence.
Give 2 examples of the Prime Minister declaring war?
In 2014 David Cameron ordered RAF operations to begin in Syria and Iraq in order to combat the Islamic State.
In 2023 Alongside the US the UK has engaged in a number of military operations to counter Houthi Rebels in Yemen.
How has the role of the Prime Minister changed in regards to war?
In 2011 a convention was recognised which set out that parliament should be consulted before deploying the armed forces. For example in 2014 David Cameron consulted parliament before deploying forces to Syria. However, in 2017 Theresa May bombed Syria without approval of parliament in turn putting the conventions effectiveness into question.
Give examples of ministers breaking collective responsibility and in turn resigning over it?
In 2022 Lord Frost resigned form the Government over “Covid plan B” as well as the political direction of the Government.
In December 2023 Robert Jenrick who was the government minister for immigration chose to resign as he believed that the Rwanda bill didn’t go far enough in the sense that it would not allow the UK to violate international law.
Give examples of collective responsibility temporarily being suspended?
Predominantly used in issues surrounding the EU for example the 1975 European Communities referendum and the 2016 Brexit referendum which saw a number of Conservative MPs campaign in favour of exiting the European Union. This also applied to some withdrawal votes in 2019 but not all.
Give a recent example of declining collective ministerial responsibility?
In regards to Brexit many Government Ministers would frequently vote against May when she attempted to pass the 2018 withdrawal agreement. 118 Conservative MPs voted against it some of whom were ministers.
What is individual ministerial responsibility?
Based on constitutional convention, cabinet ministers are expected to take accountability for things that occur in their department regardless of whether they are personally at fault.
Give examples of ministers resigning over individual ministerial responsibility?
In 2018 Amber Rudd resigned as Home Secretary after misleading the house over the Windrush Scandal.
In November 2023 Suella Braverman was sacked over comments made about the police response to what she called “right wing extremists compared to Pro Palestine Mobs”.
Give some examples of ministers taking personal responsibility?
In 2012 Chris Huhne resigned over a speeding charge.
In 2014 Maria Miller resigned due to questions over her expenses.
In 2017 Priti Patel resigned over meetings that she had held with Israeli officials without first consulting the home office.
What checks are there on the Prime Ministers power of patronage?
There is a House of Lords appointment commission in place and in the aftermath of Boris Johnson’s resignation they did not approve half of his proposed honours.
Give 2 recent examples of Rishi Sunak Signing treaties?
In December 2023 Rishi Sunak signed a treaty with Rwanda which declared the country safe and in turn allowed for the implementation of the Rwanda program.
In January 2023 Rishi Sunak signed a treaty with Japan which allows soldiers from the UK to be deployed in Japan and soldiers from Japan to be deployed in the UK.
What is the role of Government ministers?
They lead their own governmental departments and in turn create policy and strategy in that area, they also perform this role in front of the media as well and will answer questions in brief.
