holding govt to account 👀 Flashcards
(20 cards)
how long does PMQ last and when is it?
last 30 mins
12:00 every wednesday
what happens at PMQ?
the prime minister is questioned by MP’s and leader of the opposition on specific crises occuring at the time and how they intend to deal with them
some examples of the effectivness of PMQ
Rishi Sunak was questioned on how he lost contact with 85% of the 5000 people earmarked for removal to Rwanda by Starmer which put him under pressure to come up with a response
After Theresa May was questioned how why she was charging 55p a minute for the universal credit helpline she stopped this as it was very unpopular
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But why is PMQ rather limited in holding govt to account due to the PM being ……….. and …… questions
the PM is prepped of potential questions which may come up so he is prepared to speak on specific issues.
questions known as planted questions are in place to make the prime minister look good because he knows the answer and can spend some time answering them. it is members of his own party which ask these questions proving PM to be strong in front of voters
why is time a significant issue to PMQ being an effective way to hold the government to account? 🕧
extra point: what was Boris Johnstone questioned on in Ocotber 2021 during PMQ?
it only last for 30 minutes which is not enough time for all 650 MPs to ask the PM questions, demonstrating that it is a rather limited way to check up on the government as it restricts thorough scrutiny since many voices remain unheard.
the Conservative MP David Warburton asked BJ if he would have a cheese toastie on national cheese toastie - showing that some MPs waste the scarce time which is available to use.
who makes up select committees?
11 backbench MPs
what do select committees do?
(amendments - roles & advice from others)
they offer amendments to the government on S.P.A essentially checking the government are fufilling their role regarding the areas above.
the can also offer expert advice to the government since they can invite in expert witnesses to demonstrate their opinions on specific topics
But what limitations is there to the recommendations made by SC & example?
(ministers & witnesses)
the government do not have to accept any of their suggestions, so their ability to hold government to account is rather limited only accepting 30-40%
e.g. government ignored their suggestion to lift the two child benefit cap.
extra point: government ministers and witnesses may refure to turn up so the SC are unable to talk directly to who they need to
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what is the issue with select committes and their make up?
e.g. majority, Jerrmy Hunt
their make up reflects parliament because in each committee the MPs which make up the government always have a majority. this means that the scrutiny of the government is going to be less effective as they make up the majority of the committee so are unlikely to speak badly about it.
He is unlikely to criticise the committee he used to be the Health Secetary so wouldn’t want to talk badly on policies that he made
what is the example of when the SC were effective in challenging the Home Secretary?
they were able to show that Amber Rudd had lied to the select committees during questioning, which they challenged her about leading to her having to resign 2018 (about illegal immigrants)
what report regarding housing were the select committees able to draw the governments attention to?
(rent)
‘Build to Rent’ was a policy which encouraged by SC - government to build more homes for people to rent
Published in a SC report in 2018
what must the house of lords do before laws are made?
(laws)
they must approve bills proposed by the government before they become laws, therefore having an influence over government decisions.
in 2023 how many government bills did the house of lords defeat and how long are they able to block a bill for?
125
1 year - then it gets passed
if the lords block a bill what generally happens in the time when it is blocked?
pressure groups and media are given time to further campaign against a proposed bill - allows public to gain more support & increase awareness
why is being a member of the house of lords actually limited to providing real scrutiny?
bc they are an unelected chamber of parliament which removes their power as they are against elected chambers of government who have more power than them.
what bill protects laws regarding government budgets and manifesto promises, which the lords are unable to block bills on?
The Salisbury Convention
how does debating/voting on laws hold the government to account?
because if the majority of MPs vote against a proposed bill then it will not go through which shows effectiveness as if it is unpopular = unsuccessful
this often results in the government having to make changes to proposed bills before they are voted on again
in 2019 what bill was rejected?
(stats)
Theresa Mays brexit bill was rejected after 432 MPs voted against and only 202 MPs voted for it - demonstrates how the government can stop bills
what is in place to ensure party members vote how their leader wants them to?
extra point: if the whip os withdrawn what often happens?
whips limit the effectivenss of MPs as if they do not vote how the leader wishes they are likely to face reprecussions: removed from office, decreased chances of promotions as shown unloyalty. < 3 line whip - very important vote
the MP is excluded from party communications
why does using FPTP as the main voting system make it harder to stop governments through voting?
because they are highly likely to have a majority so can get bills passed easily.
e.g. Boris Johnstone was able to pass his 2019 Brexit bill with an 80 seat majority; compared to Theresa May who was unsuccessful at getting hers through due to lacking a majority
