Examples Flashcards
(48 cards)
UK Parliament: Backbench Power (Support) - Letwin
Letwin Amendment (2019): Backbenchers took control of Commons agenda to delay a no-deal Brexit. Shows MPs can override the executive when government lacks control.
UK Parliament: Backbench Power (Support) - Caroline Dinenage
Caroline Dinenage PMB (2024): Introduced ‘Online Harms Regulation Bill’, showing that backbenchers can shape legislative priorities.
UK Parliament: Backbench Power (Support) - Marcus Fysh
Marcus Fysh rebellion (2021): Backbench MP opposed COVID passports, showing ability to influence and challenge government policy.
UK Parliament: Backbench Power (Challenge) - Majority
Boris Johnson’s majority (2019–22): 80-seat majority meant most backbench rebellions failed. Whip system limited independence.
UK Parliament: Backbench Power (Challenge) - Kevan Jones
Kevan Jones’ PMB (2017): Mental Health Bill ran out of time despite support. Most PMBs fail without government backing.
UK Parliament: Backbench Power (Challenge) - May and Brexit
May managing Brexit rebels (2019): Used delay and reshuffling to control internal dissent, limiting backbenchers’ impact.
UK Parliament: Select Committees (Support) - Health Committee
Health Committee (2021): Jeremy Hunt’s report exposed government unpreparedness for COVID, leading to official response.
UK Parliament: Select Committees (Support) - DCMS Committee
DCMS Committee (2022): Challenged Facebook/Meta on online harm; led to increased transparency.
UK Parliament: Select Committees (Support) - Treasury Committee
Treasury Committee (2023): Grilled Chancellor Jeremy Hunt on cost-of-living crisis, holding executive accountable.
UK Parliament: Select Committees (Challenge) - Priti Patel
Priti Patel avoiding committee (2020): Refused to attend Home Affairs Committee, showing ministers can evade scrutiny.
UK Parliament: Select Committees (Challenge) - Universal Credit Uplift
Universal Credit uplift ignored (2021): Recommendations from Work & Pensions Committee were not implemented.
UK Parliament: Select Committees (Challenge) - Johnson at Liason Committee
Johnson at Liaison Committee (2022): Evaded key questions about Partygate; scrutiny had limited impact.
UK Parliament: House of Lords (Support) - Rwanda Bill
Rwanda Bill amendments (2024): Lords made 10+ amendments to challenge legality and ethics of deportations.
UK Parliament: House of Lords (Support) - Tax Credit Cuts
Tax Credit Cuts (2015): Lords blocked Osborne’s financial reform, forcing a government U-turn.
UK Parliament: House of Lords (Support) - Nationality and Borders Bill
Nationality & Borders Bill (2022): Lords amended controversial elements like age assessment of refugees.
UK Parliament: House of Lords (Challenge) - Salisbury convention
Salisbury Convention (2019): Lords did not block Brexit Bill due to manifesto mandate.
UK Parliament: House of Lords (Challenge) - Commons Override
Commons override on Elections Bill (2022): 17 Lords amendments rejected, highlighting Commons’ supremacy.
UK Parliament: House of Lords (Challenge)
Johnson’s Resignation Honours (2023): Peerages given to donors like Peter Cruddas undermine legitimacy.
Constitution: Human Rights (Support)
Belmarsh case (2004): Law Lords ruled indefinite detention of foreign nationals unlawful under HRA.
Constitution: Human Rights (Support)
John Worboys case (2018): Victims used HRA to hold parole board accountable for early release.
Constitution: Human Rights (Support)
Rwanda Plan struck down (2023): Supreme Court ruled deportation plan violated international law.
Constitution: Human Rights (Challenge)
Illegal Migration Act (2023): Allows removal of asylum seekers before claims are heard, raising human rights concerns.
Constitution: Human Rights (Challenge)
Proposed British Bill of Rights (2022): Would weaken courts’ ability to enforce rights over Parliament.
Constitution: Human Rights (Challenge)
Northern Ireland Protocol changes (2022): Government bypassed judicial decisions using new legislation.
