The opposition Flashcards
what are the opposition?
The opposition is the largest opposing party in the commons
The commons in confrontational and thus they sit opposite their opposition
what do the opposition do?
The opposition also forms their own shadow government and act as an alternative government to the one in charge
They hold the government accountable by opposing legislative proposals and harrying tabling amendments and forcing votes.
what do opposition leaders do?
The leader of the opposition is entitled to many rights such as an additional salary - up to £65,000
They are the first to respond to the prime minister
They get to ask 6 questions to the Prime minister at PMQs and are always the first to respond back to the prime minister
what can the opposition do when the government has a small majority?
enable policy retreats
what do the opposition rely on?
Whilst the government rely on civil servants, the opposition rely on limited state money which is also referred to as short money for example in 2016 the labour party received 6.8 million in short money of which the conservative party opted to reduce
Short money helps the opposition in parliamentary business as well as covering travel expenses
what else can the opposition do?
The opposition parties are also allowed to choose the topic for 20 debates over the parliamentary year - 17 which belong to the leader of the opposition which shows that they hold the government accountable.
A 2009 rare liberal democrat government defeat secured victory for the opposition in relation for for Gurkha veterans to have British citizenship
