Essay Example

• Point (introduce factor and provide detail)


  One way the Parliament holds the Government to account is Question Time. Question Time takes place on a Wednesday at noon in the UK Parliament. The leader of the opposition will have the chance to ask 6 questions, and the third biggest/largest party will get 2 questions
• Explain (how does this hold the Government to account)


  This helps the Parliament hold the Government to account as Question Time is televised weekly, giving MPs/MSPs the opportunity to scrutinise the Government publicly and bring attention to their failings
• Example


  For example, during the coronavirus pandemic, health secretary Dominic Raab had to replace ill Boris Johnson during Prime Minister's Questions. This allowed the leader of the opposition, Keir Starmar the opportunity to question the Government over-handling of Covid testing
• Link back to the question


  This shows the Parliament is able to hold the Government to account because even though the Prime Minister was absent, another member of his Cabinet had to step up and replace him. This means they had no way of avoiding having to defend thier handling of the pandemic
• Rebuttal (counter argument)


  However, Question Time often receives criticism for not getting to the heart of the issue and can be seen as a stage for theatrics
• Explain

  Question Time receives criticism for its unruly atmosphere as MPs continually shout across the House at each other rather than constructively debate. MPs/MSPs also use Question Time as an opportunity to score cheap points and potentially make a name for themselves as they know it is being televised
• Example


  For example, in January 2022, the speaker Lindsay Hoyle had to intervene 17 times in a 30 minute session of Prime Minister's Questions
• Link back

  This shows the ineffectiveness of Question Time as MPs/MSPs aren't given a proper opportunity to get their point across as they are often interrupted or shouted over by opposing MPs/MSPs whenever they ask a question