backbenchers are STRONG

• Can be influential in DSCs - Hunt, former Health Sec appointed as head of Health DSC
• Collectively could thwart the government so opinions have to be considered

  • May’s defeats - 33 defeats, more than her 5 predecessors put together
• Determined dissidents can threaten to obstruct legislation 

  • 2023-2024 Gaza Ceasefire votes
  • 2024 - Rwanda bill 
• Small groups can become influential when government lacks a decisive majority in the Commons 

  • 2010-15 coalition 
  • 2017 - minority government leading to May’s defeats
  • 2019 - although election saw an 80 seat majority, Johnson lost party discipline because of backbenchers
  • 22 by elections have occurred in the 2019 Parliament 
  • 2021 - Red Wall Conservative MPs (sitting in historically Labour seats) threatened to rebel over raising tax
• Backbench Business Committee after 2010 reforms -> decide the business backbenchers will bring in their one day a week 

  • BBs given 35 days in each Parliamentary session, reducing power of executive to set the agenda 
  • Talked about Brexit, the effects of Covid in minority ethnic committees etc. 
  • 2011 - e-petition asking for the publication of the documents relating to 1989 Hillsborough football disaster had reached 100,000 signatures and debated on in these sessions - gov then forced to release papers about the disaster 
• Increased BB rebellions against government proposals 

  • 2010-15 - MPs rebelled in 35% of divisions  compared to 28% in 2005-10
• Increased use of UQs under Hoyle
• BBs able to choose their own DSC chair since 2010
• PBCs able to take oral and written evidence since 2007 
• Anticipated reactions 

  • Government will amend/drop proposals unless sure they can command a majority e.g. 2013 House of Lords Reform Bill