opposition is effective in HoC

• themes

  • accountability
  • scrutiny
  • representation
• Accountability

  • Opportunity to advance government agenda
  • highlight government short comings - opposition day - utilise media
  • PPE scandal - Opposition efforts bring issues to the attention of the media and the public. When opposition leaders and MPs raise concerns, it often leads to media coverage, which increases public awareness and pressure on the government to address the issues.
• Accountability against

  • Lack mechanisms to enforce accountability - face limitation
  • Due to majority government
  • The example of the Health and Care Bill illustrates the challenges faced by the opposition in a House of Commons dominated by a large majority government.
  • Despite raising legitimate concerns and proposing amendments, the opposition's efforts were largely ineffective due to the numerical superiority of the governing party. This dynamic highlights the inherent weaknesses in the opposition's ability to hold the government accountable and influence policy under such circumstances.
• scrutiny

  • tabling amendments enforcing events - take part in select committees
  • Select committee presents party balance and reflecting the composition of parliament
  • The scrutiny of the UK government's COVID-19 response by the Health and Social Care Committee and the Science and Technology Committee
  • These committees were able to conduct thorough investigations, hold the government accountable, and influence public policy, demonstrating the critical role of parliamentary scrutiny in maintaining good governance.
• scrutiny against

  • limited state funding - short money
  • scrutiny within select committees can be partisan motivated
  • Windrush scandal
  • Partisan motivation among opposition members on select committees can undermine the effectiveness of parliamentary scrutiny and hinder efforts to address systemic failures
  • By prioritizing political agendas over impartial investigation and constructive reform, partisan behavior diminishes the credibility of the inquiry process and limits its impact on holding the government to account and driving positive change.
• representation

  • provide alternative policies to ruling party
  • voice for minority views
  • checks and balances
  • upholding rights and the rule of law
  • Opposition day - Labour SNP - Gaza ceasefire
• representation against

  • limited opportunities to set agenda
  • contain ability to effectively represent
  • the Nationality and Borders Bill
  • Despite opposition concerns and efforts to propose amendments, the government's proposals passed with a majority, indicating limited influence and effectiveness of opposition representation in shaping the outcome of the debate on immigration policy.
  • in influencing policy outcomes and advocating for the interests of marginalized communities when the government holds a substantial majority in Parliament