Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary responsibility of backbench MPs?
What is the primary responsibility of backbench MPs?
What major change was introduced by the Fixed Term Parliaments Act (2011)?
What major change was introduced by the Fixed Term Parliaments Act (2011)?
What notable action did Jeremy Hunt take as Chair of the Health Select Committee?
What notable action did Jeremy Hunt take as Chair of the Health Select Committee?
What happens if a sitting MP resigns or passes away?
What happens if a sitting MP resigns or passes away?
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Which of the following statements about Private Members' Bills (PMBs) is true?
Which of the following statements about Private Members' Bills (PMBs) is true?
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What was a key factor that led to the Hillsborough Disaster e-petition's success?
What was a key factor that led to the Hillsborough Disaster e-petition's success?
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Which backbench MP raised urgent questions about changes to the Personal Independence Payment in 2013?
Which backbench MP raised urgent questions about changes to the Personal Independence Payment in 2013?
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How do backbench MPs influence the legislative process through e-petitions?
How do backbench MPs influence the legislative process through e-petitions?
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What was a significant result of the 1922 Committee's influence on Boris Johnson in 2022?
What was a significant result of the 1922 Committee's influence on Boris Johnson in 2022?
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What major event did Coalition Government backbench rebellions primarily address?
What major event did Coalition Government backbench rebellions primarily address?
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Which independent MP is noted for advocating greater anti-austerity measures?
Which independent MP is noted for advocating greater anti-austerity measures?
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What inquiry followed the treatment of the Windrush generation?
What inquiry followed the treatment of the Windrush generation?
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What impact did the rebellion of 21 Conservative MPs during the Brexit vote have?
What impact did the rebellion of 21 Conservative MPs during the Brexit vote have?
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Which tool of influence allows backbench MPs to hold the government accountable?
Which tool of influence allows backbench MPs to hold the government accountable?
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How did Jeremy Corbyn continue to influence politics after his expulsion from the Labour Party?
How did Jeremy Corbyn continue to influence politics after his expulsion from the Labour Party?
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What was a primary focus of the COVID19 Inquiry initiated by backbench MPs?
What was a primary focus of the COVID19 Inquiry initiated by backbench MPs?
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Which issue did Diane Abbott push for an inquiry into, leading to significant policy reforms?
Which issue did Diane Abbott push for an inquiry into, leading to significant policy reforms?
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In what year did significant Conservative rebellion against Clegg’s House of Lords reform proposal occur?
In what year did significant Conservative rebellion against Clegg’s House of Lords reform proposal occur?
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Study Notes
Role of Backbench MPs
- Backbench MPs are MPs who are not ministers or shadow ministers.
- Their primary duties involve representing their constituencies, supporting party leadership, and scrutinizing government actions.
- They make up the majority of MPs in the House of Commons.
Selection of Members
- MPs are elected to represent single-member constituencies using the first-past-the-post electoral system.
- The House of Commons currently has 650 constituencies, but plans exist to reduce this number.
- Fixed Term Parliaments Act (2011) mandates five-year election intervals.
- Early elections can be triggered if a government loses a vote of no confidence or gains the support of two-thirds of MPs.
- Examples include Theresa May’s 2017 early election.
- By-elections are held if an MP dies or resigns.
Backbenchers' Role in Scrutiny
- A significant role is scrutinizing government actions, proposing legislation, and raising issues of public concern.
- Examples:
- Jeremy Hunt scrutinized Matt Hancock regarding COVID-19 responses, showcasing a thorough and objective approach.
- MPs can raise issues via urgent questions and adjournment debates.
- Stephen Timms used an urgent question to challenge the Department for Work and Pensions in 2013.
- Zarah Sultana raised concerns about Labour's stance on Palestine in 2023.
Private Members' Bills (PMBs)
- Backbench MPs can introduce legislation via PMBs.
- Notable examples include:
- Sarah Champion's Child Sexual Abuse (Sentencing) Bill (2015).
- David Lammy's Assisted Dying Bill (2024).
EPetitions and Backbench Influence
- EPetitions allow public involvement in the legislative process.
- Examples:
- Hillsborough Disaster (2011): An ePetition led to a Parliamentary debate on previously secret documents.
- COVID-19 scrutiny: Public petitions called for investigations into Matt Hancock's handling of the pandemic.
1922 Committee and Backbench Influence
- The 1922 Committee is a group of Conservative backbenchers that influences party leadership.
- Examples:
- Boris Johnson faced pressure from this committee related to Brexit negotiations (2022).
- Theresa May faced difficulties over her Brexit deal (2018).
Backbench Rebellions: Examples and Voting Patterns
- Backbench rebellions are a significant way MPs express disagreement with leadership.
- Examples:
- Coalition Government (2010-2015): Conservative MPs rebelled against policies like House of Lords reform.
- 2012 rebellion against House of Lords reform: Over 100 Conservative MPs voted against the government.
- Brexit Votes (2019): 21 Conservative MPs (including Ken Clarke, Nicholas Soames) voted against the deal and were subsequently expelled.
Recent Successful Backbenchers’ Actions
- Independent MPs are increasingly influential.
- Examples:
- Zarah Sultana (Independent Labour MP) continues to voice concerns and advocate anti-austerity measures and Palestinian rights.
- Jeremy Corbyn, an independent MP, remains active in anti-war and social justice campaigns.
Parliamentary Inquiries and Investigations
- Backbench MPs are key in pushing for inquiries into government actions.
- Examples:
- COVID-19 Inquiry (2020): MPs like Jeremy Hunt and Barbara Keeley pressed for an inquiry.
- Windrush Scandal: Diane Abbott and others pushed for an inquiry into the Windrush generation's experiences.
- Leveson Inquiry (2011): Backbenches pushed for a public inquiry into press standards.
Summary of Backbench MPs' Influence
- Key roles involve scrutinizing government, raising public concerns, introducing legislation, and holding the government accountable.
- Successful actions include Private Members Bills, e-petitions, and backbench rebellions.
- Tools include urgent questions, adjournment debates, 10-minute rule debates, and inquiries.
- Recent instances involve rebellions on Brexit and House of Lords reform.
- Independent MPs are gaining influence, challenging party leaders.
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Description
This quiz explores the role and responsibilities of backbench MPs in the UK Parliament, including their significance in representing constituencies and scrutinizing government actions. It also covers the selection process of Members of Parliament and key electoral developments such as the Fixed Term Parliaments Act. Test your knowledge on this vital aspect of UK politics!
