Podcast
Questions and Answers
Backbench MPs hold ministerial positions within the government.
Backbench MPs hold ministerial positions within the government.
False
The Fixed Term Parliaments Act allows for general elections to occur every three years.
The Fixed Term Parliaments Act allows for general elections to occur every three years.
False
Backbench MPs make up about one quarter of the total MPs in the House of Commons.
Backbench MPs make up about one quarter of the total MPs in the House of Commons.
False
In 2017, an early general election was called by Theresa May after losing a vote of no confidence.
In 2017, an early general election was called by Theresa May after losing a vote of no confidence.
Signup and view all the answers
The Assisted Dying Bill was introduced by Sarah Champion.
The Assisted Dying Bill was introduced by Sarah Champion.
Signup and view all the answers
Epetitions enable public involvement in the legislative process.
Epetitions enable public involvement in the legislative process.
Signup and view all the answers
Jeremy Hunt was criticized for his scrutiny of Matt Hancock’s actions during his tenure.
Jeremy Hunt was criticized for his scrutiny of Matt Hancock’s actions during his tenure.
Signup and view all the answers
Backbench MPs can introduce legislation through a format called Private Members' Bills.
Backbench MPs can introduce legislation through a format called Private Members' Bills.
Signup and view all the answers
Matt Hancock's management of the pandemic faced minimal public scrutiny.
Matt Hancock's management of the pandemic faced minimal public scrutiny.
Signup and view all the answers
The 1922 Committee is primarily composed of Conservative backbench MPs.
The 1922 Committee is primarily composed of Conservative backbench MPs.
Signup and view all the answers
Boris Johnson experienced pressure from the 1922 Committee regarding his Brexit deal in 2022.
Boris Johnson experienced pressure from the 1922 Committee regarding his Brexit deal in 2022.
Signup and view all the answers
During the Brexit vote in 2019, all Conservative MPs supported Boris Johnson's Brexit deal.
During the Brexit vote in 2019, all Conservative MPs supported Boris Johnson's Brexit deal.
Signup and view all the answers
Independent MPs have had no influence on debates and government policies recently.
Independent MPs have had no influence on debates and government policies recently.
Signup and view all the answers
The Windrush Lessons Learned Review was initiated by backbench MPs.
The Windrush Lessons Learned Review was initiated by backbench MPs.
Signup and view all the answers
Backbench MPs have no tools to influence government actions.
Backbench MPs have no tools to influence government actions.
Signup and view all the answers
The Leveson Inquiry investigated the relationship between media and politicians.
The Leveson Inquiry investigated the relationship between media and politicians.
Signup and view all the answers
The Assisted Dying Bill was introduced by a Conservative backbencher.
The Assisted Dying Bill was introduced by a Conservative backbencher.
Signup and view all the answers
Backbench rebellions have been a significant way for MPs to express disagreement with their leadership.
Backbench rebellions have been a significant way for MPs to express disagreement with their leadership.
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Backbench MPs: Role and Influence
- Backbench MPs are those without ministerial or shadow ministerial positions. Their main roles include constituency representation, supporting party leadership, and scrutinizing government actions.
- MPs are elected via the first-past-the-post system to represent individual constituencies. The current House of Commons has 650 constituencies, planned to reduce to 600.
- General elections occur every five years, unless triggered by a vote of no confidence or two-thirds of MPs backing an early election.
- By-elections are held if an MP dies or retires.
- Most MPs are backbenchers; frontbenchers are government and shadow ministers.
Scrutiny and Legislation
- Key function of backbenchers is scrutinizing government, proposing bills, and raising public concerns.
- Jeremy Hunt scrutinized Matt Hancock's handling of COVID-19, notably through the Health Select Committee.
- Backbenchers can use methods like urgent questions and adjournment debates to raise issues. Stephen Timms used an urgent question to challenge changes to Personal Independence Payment. Zarah Sultana raised concerns about the Labour Party's stance on Palestine.
- Private members' bills (PMBs) allow backbenchers to introduce legislation. Examples include the Child Sexual Abuse (Sentencing) Bill (Sarah Champion) and the Assisted Dying Bill (David Lammy).
- E-petitions provide an avenue for public involvement in legislation, evidenced by examples such as the Hillsborough Disaster and COVID-19 scrutiny of Matt Hancock.
Influence and Rebellions
- The 1922 Committee, a group of Conservative backbenchers, influences party leadership. Boris Johnson faced pressure from them about Brexit in 2022.
- Backbench rebellions occur when MPs vote against party leadership, often over policy disagreements. Examples include the Coalition Government's 2010-2015 period with rebellions against policies like House of Lords Reform, and Brexit votes in 2019, where Conservative MPs (21) voted against the Brexit deal and were expelled for it.
- Recent successful backbench action includes inquiries into government actions; the COVID-19 Inquiry where MPs like Jeremy Hunt and Barbara Keeley pushed for it, the Windrush Scandal inquiry, leading to the Windrush Lessons Learned Review, and the Leveson Inquiry.
- Independent MPs like Zarah Sultana and Jeremy Corbyn are becoming more influential, raising concerns about austerity and Palestinian rights, and social justice issues after being expelled from their parties respectively.
Summary of Influence
- Backbench MPs have key roles in scrutinizing government policy, raising concerns, introducing legislation via PMBs, and holding the government accountable.
- Recent examples of successful backbench actions include successful bills, e-petitions, rebellions, and parliamentary inquiries.
- Methods to bring about change include urgent questions, adjournment debates, PMBs, and backbench inquiries.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Explore the vital role and influence of backbench MPs within the UK Parliament. This quiz covers their responsibilities, election processes, and methods of scrutinizing government actions. Test your knowledge on how these MPs contribute to the legislative process and public representation.
