Is the executive that much more powerful than parliament Flashcards
(39 cards)
what key changes to the ministerial code did Starmer introduce
- independent advisor now has the power to initiate investigations when they believe a minister has breached the ministerial code
- Nolan Principles:
1) Selfishness
2) Integrity
3) Objectivity
4) Accountability
5) Openness - must publish gifts worth more than £140
what is the result of the changes that starmer introduced to the ministerial code
- tougher rules on misconduct
- clearer consequences for breaches
- stronger role for ethics advisor
- more transparency in investigations
- reversal of Johnson-era leniency
what key resignations followed after Starmer’s changes to the ministerial code
- Louise Haigh (Transport) - resigned over past fraud conviction
- Tulip Siddiq (Treasury) - resigned amid corruption concerns
- Andrew Gwynne (Health) - sacked for inappropriate WhatsApp comments
- Anneliese Dodds (Development and Equalities) - resigned over aid cuts
what was the context to Starmer strengthening the ministerial code
- starmer is reported in the media
- all donations declared
- £107,000
- £86,000 accepted last parliament
- £20,000 accepted this parliament
evidence for the PM being able to dictate policy (Thatcher’s poll tax)
- thatcher imposed it despite opposition
- ignored cabinet and public warnings
- shows PM can dominate policy direction
- led to unrest and her downfall
evidence for the PM being unable to dictate policy (Thatcher’s poll tax)
- the background to the poll tax was rooted in conservative belief.
- there is an argument to say that if it was going to become policy anyway whether the PM wanted it nor not
evidence for the PM being able to dictate policy (Blair’s invasion of Iraq)
- many people opposed Blair’s want to support Bush. However, Blair had enough power to see it through
evidence for the PM being unable to dictate policy (Blair’s invasion of Iraq)
- needed commons approval
- Cabinet resignations (e.g. Robin Cook)
- reliant on US support
- faced mass public protests
- dependent on intelligence advice
evidence for the PM being able to dictate policy (May’s early election)
- calling an early election itself is the power of the PM
evidence for the PM being unable to dictate policy (May’s early election)
- She had a slim majority so therefore needed greater influence to get Brexit through
evidence for the PM being able to dictate policy (Truss’ mini-budget)
- bypassed cabinet and scrutiny
- imposed £45 billion tax cuts
- aligned with her economic agenda
- triggered market chaos
- shows pm can push major policy swiftly
evidence for the PM being unable to dictate policy (Truss’ mini-budget)
- markets crashed, Bank of England intervened
- Tory MPs rebelled
- forced U-turns
- Truss resigned - lost authority
Thatcher’s introduction of the Poll Tax context
1980s Britain under Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative government
Thatcher’s introduction of the Poll Tax purpose
Replace local property-based rates with a flat-rate tax per adult (Community Charge)
Thatcher’s introduction of the Poll Tax goal
Increase accountability of local councils by linking all residents to tax contributions
when was Thatcher’s introduction of the Poll Tax
1989 in Scotland, 1990 in England and Wales
Thatcher’s introduction of the Poll Tax controversy
Seen as unfair—same tax for rich and poor, led to widespread opposition
Thatcher’s introduction of the Poll Tax consequences
Massive protests (e.g., 1990 Trafalgar Square riot), political backlash
Thatcher’s introduction of the Poll Tax impact
Contributed to Thatcher’s fall from power in November 1990
Blair’s invasion of Iraq date
March 2003
Blair’s invasion of Iraq context
Post-9/11 “War on Terror” alliance with the U.S.
Blair’s invasion of Iraq claim
Iraq had Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs)
Blair’s invasion of Iraq justification
Remove Saddam Hussein, eliminate WMD threat
Blair’s invasion of Iraq controversy
Intelligence later found to be flawed/exaggerated
