Role of Backbench MPs in UK Government

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary responsibility of backbench MPs?

  • To manage parliamentary procedures
  • To represent their constituencies (correct)
  • To direct government policy
  • To oversee frontbench MPs

What major change was introduced by the Fixed Term Parliaments Act (2011)?

  • Elections can be called at any time by the Prime Minister
  • Elections are held every four years
  • The number of constituencies is fixed at 600
  • Elections can only be called with a two-thirds majority (correct)

What notable action did Jeremy Hunt take as Chair of the Health Select Committee?

  • Critiqued Matt Hancock's handling of services during COVID-19 (correct)
  • Scrutinized the actions of the Prime Minister during the pandemic
  • Introduced a Private Members' Bill on healthcare reform
  • Criticized government spending on health

What happens if a sitting MP resigns or passes away?

<p>A byelection is held to fill the vacancy (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about Private Members' Bills (PMBs) is true?

<p>Backbench MPs can introduce legislation through PMBs (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a key factor that led to the Hillsborough Disaster e-petition's success?

<p>Public outrage at government negligence (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which backbench MP raised urgent questions about changes to the Personal Independence Payment in 2013?

<p>Stephen Timms (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do backbench MPs influence the legislative process through e-petitions?

<p>E-petitions invite public engagement and highlight issues requiring scrutiny (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant result of the 1922 Committee's influence on Boris Johnson in 2022?

<p>It pressured him regarding Brexit negotiations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What major event did Coalition Government backbench rebellions primarily address?

<p>The reform of the House of Lords. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which independent MP is noted for advocating greater anti-austerity measures?

<p>Zarah Sultana (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What inquiry followed the treatment of the Windrush generation?

<p>The Windrush Lessons Learned Review (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the rebellion of 21 Conservative MPs during the Brexit vote have?

<p>Resulted in their expulsion from the party. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which tool of influence allows backbench MPs to hold the government accountable?

<p>Adjournment debates (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Jeremy Corbyn continue to influence politics after his expulsion from the Labour Party?

<p>By advocating as an independent MP. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary focus of the COVID19 Inquiry initiated by backbench MPs?

<p>Government's management of the pandemic. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which issue did Diane Abbott push for an inquiry into, leading to significant policy reforms?

<p>The treatment of the Windrush generation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what year did significant Conservative rebellion against Clegg’s House of Lords reform proposal occur?

<p>2012 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What are backbench MPs?

MPs who are not in the government or shadow cabinet. Their main roles are representing their constituents, supporting their party, and scrutinizing the government's actions.

What is the 'first past the post' electoral system?

The system used to elect MPs in the UK, where the candidate with the most votes wins, even if they don't have a majority.

What is the Fixed Term Parliaments Act?

A law passed in 2011 that requires general elections to be held every five years, unless special circumstances apply.

What is an early election?

An election held before the scheduled date, usually triggered by a loss of confidence in the government or a vote by two-thirds of MPs.

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What is a byelection?

An election held to fill a vacant seat in Parliament, usually due to an MP's death or resignation.

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How do backbench MPs scrutinize the government?

One of the key functions of backbench MPs. They can examine government policies and actions and hold them accountable.

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What are Private Members' Bills?

Backbench MPs can propose new laws through these bills, even if they are not from the government.

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How do ePetitions influence backbenchers?

Online petitions that allow the public to express their views on issues and influence Parliament's agenda.

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What is the 1922 Committee and what is its influence?

A group of Conservative MPs who meet regularly to influence party leadership. This committee holds power to put pressure on the government. They've played a key role in shaping Brexit decisions and influencing Theresa May's deal negotiations.

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What is a backbench rebellion?

When backbench MPs disagree with the government's policies and vote against them. It can be a key moment in influencing policy changes.

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What is an example of a backbench rebellion?

A notable backbench rebellion happened in 2012 when over 100 Conservative MPs voted against a proposal to reform the House of Lords, showing their power to influence government decisions.

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How have independent MPs become influential?

Independent MPs like Zarah Sultana and Jeremy Corbyn are increasingly active, challenging their respective parties and advocating for issues like anti-austerity measures and social justice campaigns.

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What is the role of backbench MPs in inquiries?

MPs play a crucial role in initiating inquiries into government actions. They often challenge powerful figures and investigate shortcomings. The Covid-19 Inquiry is a prime example of backbench MPs scrutinizing government decisions.

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What tools do backbench MPs have to influence the government?

Backbench MPs have various tools to influence government actions, including asking urgent questions, holding adjournment debates, introducing Private Members’ Bills, and promoting inquiries like the Windrush and Leveson inquiries.

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What is the role of Private Members' Bills (PMBs) in legislation?

Backbench MPs can introduce Private Members' Bills (PMBs) aimed at changing existing legislation or introducing new laws. Successful examples include Sarah Champion's Assisted Dying Bill, demonstrating the influence of individual MPs.

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How do e-petitions influence legislation?

Backbench MPs have successfully used e-petitions to influence legislation on various issues, such as the Hillsborough disaster and Covid-19 scrutiny. This demonstrates their ability to mobilize public opinion and put pressure on the government.

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How do backbench MPs challenge the government?

Backbench MPs often challenge the government's policies and decisions. Significant examples include the Brexit vote and the House of Lords Reform, where rebels voted against their party's position.

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What is the significance of backbench MPs' influence?

Backbench MPs play vital roles in the functioning of the UK Parliament. They scrutinize government actions, raise public concerns, introduce legislation, and hold the government accountable. Their efforts often lead to improvements in public policy.

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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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