Effectiveness of MPs in holding the government to account

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Created by
Eric

Cards (4)

  • Voting, MPs can vote on proposed government legislation in order to turn bills into laws. However, due to the influence of party whips, MPs cannot hold the government to account as effectively as they are forced to follow the party agenda.

    However if alot of MPs disagree with proposed laws and legislation they can start a backbench rebellion. For example, in 2019 several government ministers resigned to vote against the governments motion to take a no deal brexit off the table, they joined a group of backbench MPs who defied the party whip to vote against the government
  • Select comitees, are groups of MPs and peers that are set up to investigate and scrutinize the work of the government, Select Commitees are broadcasted live ensuring transparacy and scrutiny from the public. For example, in 2021 the defence commitee published a report saying that the UKs army tanks were not fit for purpose.

    However, commitees reflect the distrubition of seats in parliament by party. This means that the government will always try to have the majority on each select committee.
  • PMQS, MPs can ask PM questions every wednsday, PMQS is broadcasted live which means they have the potential to embarrass the PM publically. For example, Kier starmer scrutinised Boris Johnson about the slow roll out vaccines and the effectiveness of the NHS dealing with COVID-19 due to its underfunding.

    However, the PM will be briefed by government departments about likely subjects to come up, this means they can strategically prepare responses to divert criticism and focus on prepared talking points.
  • Liason Commitee, made up of each chairperson of each select commitee, they meet twice a year, this allows for them to thoroughly scrutinize the work of the government from a variety of sectors and views.

    However, PM may be briefed abt issiues that are most likely to come up. For example, Theresa May was questioned about the progress of BREXIT negotiations , However the questions were often vague and responses seemed planned.