2.4 the ways in which parliament interacts with the
executive.
(BACKBENCHERS, SELECT COMMITTEES, MINISTERIAL
QUESTIONS & OPPOSITION)
Backbenchers
MPs in the House of Commons & members of the House of Lords that are
not part of the government or the opposition party’s leadership team.
Roles –
Representatives:
Represent UK citizens through impacting on laws & scrutinising govt.
Backbenchers in HoC represent interests of the citizens in their
constituency.
Govt policy & legislation:
Backbenchers in HoC represent their constituents’ interests &
should vote on legislation in a way which meets their constituents’
interests.
HoL backbenchers look to improve legislation.
All can speak in parliamentary debates over legislation.
Can participate in voting in favour of or against legislation.
Members of standing committees which review bills in detail.
Can put forward Private Members’ bills.
Govt scrutiny:
Scrutinise govt & gold it accountable for its actions.
Can question govt ministers during Question Time & the PM during
PMQs on their policies & actions to ensure they are held to account.
Make up & chair select committees which scrutinise govt
departments.
Backbench MPs can write questions to ministers about issues which
impact their constituents which ministers must reply to.
, Party delegates:
Backbenchers expected to support their party in parliament.
Backbenchers of party in govt are expected to not overly criticise
the govt & follow party line when voting.
Backbenchers of opposition parties have a role to oppose govt
through criticism in ministers questions & voting against govt
policies.
Parliamentary privilege:
Enables backbenchers to carry out their roles, particularly
representing the electorate’s interests through having free speech.
Ensures MPs & members of HoL can freely debate on any issue
without interference.
Gives backbenchers legal immunity over what they say in
parliament.
- MPs used their parliamentary privilege during Ryan Giggs affair
to name the footballer who had taken out an injunction over an
affair.
Significance –
Backbenchers can have a significant role, but party whips can reduce this,
as well as how willing the government is to support private members' bills
& select committees.
Significant role: rebellions
Backbenchers often make up most of a party in parliament. Govt’s
backbenchers are important to pass legislation.
Can use their vote to express support or discontent with the govt.
- Backbench rebellions can change the direction of govt policy.
- 2012 – 91 conservative backbenchers voted against coalition
govt’s plans for HoL reform.
Significant role: constituency
Backbenchers are important for the voices of their constituencies to
be heard - & can spend more time in their constituencies as they are
not ministers. – rebelling backbenchers often prioritise their
constituency.
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