the role and significance of backbenchers 2.4

Question 1

what is ‘parliamentary privilege’

Answer 1

The right of MPs or Lords to make certain statements within Parliament without being subject to outside influence, including law.

Question 2

when has the ‘Backbench Business Committee’ showed the role of significance of backbenchers

Answer 2

• allowed to choose the topic for debate on 35 days in each parliamentary session.
• subjects are chosen in response to e-petitions signed by members of the public; 100,000 signatures are required
• these take place in Westminster Hall, the oldest surviving part of the Houses of Parliament, in order to ease the burden on the Commons chamber.

Question 3

when has the ‘Backbench rebellions’ showed the role of significance of backbenchers

Answer 3

increase in backbench rebellions against government measures, though fewer MPs are involved in each rebellion

Question 4

when has the ‘urgent questions’ showed the role of significance of backbenchers

Answer 4

subject to the approval of the Speaker of the House, allows an MP to raise an important matter requiring an immediate answer from a government minister.
IMPACT FROM COALITION GOVERNMENT
- John Bercow = 3547 urgent questions in 2009–13 (coalition)
- Michael Martin = 1234 (for much longer time)

Question 5

how is backbencher influence limited

Answer 5

• many ways to get voice heard = does not mean government will allow it
• Public bill committees give MPs an opportunity to propose amendments to legislation = government will usually be the ones doing ammendments
• The power of patronage and ties of party loyalty, reinforced by the party whips = not as independent

Question 6

what is an ‘issue’ is seen in the HOL which creates an issue for majoritarian parties

Answer 6

cross-benchers and how they act on their own = even less possibility for legislation to pass