Evaluate The Veiw Backbenchers Play Significant Role In HOC

Question 1

Introduction

Answer 1

Backbenchers are all the MPs who aren’t in the gov/shadow cabinet. Often less experienced and may be unimportant as key role is to vote how party wants them to.

Question 2

Agree - scrutinise gov even tho lack formal executive power

Answer 2

E- May sit on select committee that investigate gov policies + practices . E.g, Liaison Commitee directly questions gov 2x a year across the whole field of gov policy.
P- PMQs are every Wednesday and last 30 minutes Backbenchers + Komi Badenoche scrutinise + directly question ministers.
E- influence further increased when John Bercow expanded use of urgent questions, allow backbenchers to demand immediate responses from ministers

Question 3

Counter

Answer 3

PMQs are often boisterous with party leaders often dominating the debate rather than backbenchers
howeve, may be uninfluential as gov accepts about 40% of select committe recommendations usually have minor changes.
E- furthermore, Johnson cancelled many planned appearances; missed out on scrutiny and a,so as to ‘delays in lockdowns’

Question 4

Agree- shape policy thru….

Answer 4

P- PMB’s and propose amendments to legislation
E-conservative backbenchers forced Gov to modify covid- 19 lockdown restrictions.
2020, greater parliament scrutiny over emergency measures.
P- PMBs allow them to propose law outside of gov legislation. While it rarely becomes law, pressure gov to take action.
E- e.g. autism act 2009 introduced by Cheryl. Improved services for autistic pp. successful PMB that became law

Question 5

DISGAREE

Answer 5

P- however, government whips often persuade backbenchers to withdraw amendments.
P- however, rely on gov support to pass PMB as control parliamentary timetable.

Question 6

P - DISGAREE
Party discipline and executive dominance

Answer 6

Weaken backbenchers influence
A- when Gov has large majority, backbenchers rebellions are less important
E- Blair’s large majority (1997-2005) meant labour backbenchers struggled to influence policy
Total number of sitting days are around 130-160 days but backbenchers only get 35 days per parliamentary session.
P- Furthemore, executive controls parliamentary time; hard to have influence.

Question 7

Counter

Answer 7

However, even with strong party dominance rebellion still occurring to debates gov and stop laws being passed.
Increased due to gov having small majorities.
Theresa May defeated 33x when she has minority gov.