Role and Significance of Backbenchers and Parliamentary Privilege (Edexcel A-Level Politics): Flashcards
📚Flashcards
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15 cards from this deck
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Practise the cards
15 cards from this deck
Who are backbenchers?
Who are backbenchers?
MPs/Lords not on govt or opposition front benches (not ministers)
What constituency work do backbenchers do?
What constituency work do backbenchers do?
Represent local interests, raise local issues in Parliament
How do backbenchers scrutinise govt?
How do backbenchers scrutinise govt?
Serve on select committees examining policies & expenditure
What are Private Members' Bills (PMBs)?
What are Private Members' Bills (PMBs)?
Bills introduced by backbenchers on personal/local issues
Example: Meg Hillier's PAC investigation
Example: Meg Hillier's PAC investigation
Investigated PPE procurement inefficiencies during COVID-19
Example: Domestic Abuse Act 2021 origin
Example: Domestic Abuse Act 2021 origin
Started as PMB by Theresa May as backbencher
What is the key contribution of Lords backbenchers?
What is the key contribution of Lords backbenchers?
Bring specialised expertise to debates & committee work
Parliamentary privilege: freedom of speech
Parliamentary privilege: freedom of speech
MPs/Lords immune from legal action for statements in Parliament
Dawn Butler example (2021)
Dawn Butler example (2021)
Accused Boris Johnson of lying without legal repercussions
Parliamentary privilege in committees
Parliamentary privilege in committees
Witnesses can provide evidence without legal consequences
% of committee recommendations govt accepts
% of committee recommendations govt accepts
40%
21 Conservative MPs rebellion (2019) outcome
21 Conservative MPs rebellion (2019) outcome
Johnson expelled them after delaying Brexit bill
PMBs approved 2019-2021
PMBs approved 2019-2021
Only 7
Amber Rudd resignation (2018) reason
Amber Rudd resignation (2018) reason
Windrush Scandal concerns over deporting illegal immigrants
Tory rebellion against Covid passports (2021)
Tory rebellion against Covid passports (2021)
99 Tories rebelled