Opposition

• Why is the opposition not effective when it is not in a strong position?


  Because it cannot effectively call the government to account unless it has a small majority.
• What factors contribute to an ineffective opposition?


  The opposition being divided and fragmented leads to ineffectiveness.
• What was the composition of the divided Labour party and SNP MPs?


  They provided an incoherent opposition with little sense of an alternative government.
• How did the 2017 minority government affect the opposition's effectiveness?


  It provided opportunities for the opposition to be a more effective check on the government.
• What deal did Theresa May have after losing her majority?

  She had a confidence and supply deal with the DUP.
• What happens without an opposition in government?

  The government cannot justify its policies, leading to complacency and incompetence.
• What is one of the roles of the opposition?


  To ensure the government justifies its legislative programs and executive decisions.
• How does the opposition create public debate?

  By explaining why they cannot support the government.
• What is the role of Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition?


  To provide an alternative government in waiting in case of early dissolution of Parliament.
• How do opposition frontbenchers contribute to their role?

  They focus on the government departments they are shadowing.
• What is one way the opposition can hold the government accountable?


  By using 20 opposition days to debate important issues.
• What was the outcome of the 2009 Lib Dems motion regarding Gurkha veterans?


  It was an embarrassing failure for the government, leading to a policy change.
• How do opposition MPs work with the House of Lords (HOL)?


  They expose mistakes and delay legislation.
• What is expected of opposition MPs regarding scrutiny?


  They are expected to scrutinize and offer amendments to legislation.
• What is the role of shadow ministers?


  To uncover any mistakes and failures of the government.
• How can the opposition force the government to justify its policies?


  Especially on budget matters.
• What was the Windrush Scandal an example of?


  It demonstrated how the opposition holds the government to account.
• Who was Diane Abbott in relation to the Windrush Scandal?


  She was the shadow home secretary who put the case against Amber Rudd.
• What was Amber Rudd's role during the Windrush Scandal?


  She was the home secretary who resigned after the scandal.
• What action did the Conservative government attempt regarding immigrants during the Windrush Scandal?

  They tried to deport immigrants who had lived their whole lives in the UK.
• What is the significance of the confidence and supply deal with the DUP?


  It allowed Theresa May's government to maintain power despite losing its majority.
• What impact did the 2017 minority government have on the effectiveness of the opposition?


  It provided more opportunities for the opposition to challenge the government.
• What specific actions did Diane Abbott take regarding the Windrush Scandal?


  She put the case against Amber Rudd, leading to her resignation.
• Why are opposition days important in Parliament?


  They allow the opposition to debate issues they consider important.