backbenchers have little impact

• Themes

  Select committees Vs Backbench accountability

  Influence over legislative process HoLs Vs Scrutiny
• select committees v Accountability

  • extended and enhanced parliamentary scrutiny
  • hold government accountable for policy
  • bring expert contributions - Health and social care select committee
  • Provisions in health and care act - home office committee amendments
  • Therefore successful rebellions does not mean immediate policy change
• select committees v Accountability

  Blood scandal 2023

  • First commons defeat
  • 22 cons MPs voted with labour
  • Three line whip - Collective ministerial responsibility - conscience vote - representative democracy
  • despite this - government had an unchanged stance, therefore little impact on parliament
• Influence over legislative process v scrutiny

  HoLs

  • experts - various field - diverse - lord west - Sea lord
  • specialism and independence
  • parliamentary pingpong
  • Rwanda bill - defeated atleast 12 times
  • higher level of scrutiny compared to backbenchers
• Influence over legislative process v scrutiny HoLs

  • Backbench scrutinise law as a main function
  • minimises tyranny of majority in cases
  • Police crime and sentencing Act - impact on civil liberties,While the bill eventually passed, the debates highlighted deep divisions and the importance of backbench scrutiny in tempering executive power and considering the broader implications for society.
  • Postoffice scandal - driven by the MPs who aren't part of government
  • push for compensation and all reforms