DEMOCRACY - holding the government to account

Question 1

asking the PM questions
PEE

Answer 1

• any MP can ask the PM questions on aspects of their policy
• can be a written response or answered in the house of commons
• PMQs attracts media attention
  EG - 22nd Nov 2023 sir Kier S used opening exchanges to ask why NHS waiting lists were still increased despite a conservative pledge from 2022 to reduce these.

Question 2

asking the PM questions
REE

Answer 2

• not entirely successful > not every question answered
• written response less accountable as not broadcasted
• party whips (member of elected party asking Qs to highlight their own or target opposition)
  EG - 22nd Nov conservative backbencher asked if PM agreed labours economic recovery plan would not be effective and instead pointed towards how conservative government measures were performing well

Question 3

commons select committees
PEE

Answer 3

• for each gov department there is a commons select committee whose job is to scrutinise the gov
• each made up of at least 11 members
• findings reported to house of commons
• gov has 60 days to reply
• appoint specialist advisors
  EG - after the privileges committee concluded that Boris Johnston had lied to parliament about part gate in their 108 page repost the then PM resigned after seeing the committees report.

Question 4

commons select committees
REE

Answer 4

• limits to the capabilities and powers of some committees.
• do not have power to insist ministers to attend hearing
• main gov represntative dodges being asked Qs
• gov doesn’t have to make changes based on findings
  EG - transport select committee published a report on the expansion of Heathrow airport but the government ignored 22 out of 25 recommendations made by the committee.

Question 5

house of lords
PEE

Answer 5

• unelected upper house in parliament > check and refine legislation
• made up of peers or ‘lords’ that have often made significant contributions to society
• often seen to make the house of commons rethink where legislation is being scrutinised.
• legislation can only be passed when both parties agree > parliamentary ping pong
  EG - 2022-23 the HoL blocked the government 106 times and forced them to make changes to bills if they wanted to be passed into law

Question 6

house of lords
REE

Answer 6

• power is limited in some circumstances > bills when it comes to money
• the commons ‘financial privilege’ prevents the HoL from amending them
• while HoL can hold up bills for a year, the gov can reintroduce the same legislation and pass it without their consent
  EG - the data protection and digital infromation bill, originally introduced in 2022 was reintroduced in November 2023 by the house of commons and will not need to be scrutinised by the HoL