Role of Backbenchers and Opposition Flashcards
(13 cards)
What are Parliamentary Privileges?
The rights of MPs or Lords to make certain statements within Parliament without being subject to outside influence, including law.
Parliamentary privileges include immunity from being sued for libel but do not protect against prosecution for criminal activity.
Define Opposition in the context of Parliament.
The MPs and Lords who are not a member of the governing party or parties.
This includes both the official opposition and smaller opposition parties.
What is the Official Opposition?
The main political opposition to His Majesty’s Government, usually the political party with the second largest number of seats in the House of Commons.
Also referred to as His Majesty’s Most Loyal Opposition.
What is the significance of Backbenchers in Parliament?
They play an increasingly significant role in scrutinising government activity and holding the executive to account.
This includes raising issues and proposing debates.
How has the number of backbench rebellions changed during the coalition government?
Increased to 35% of divisions compared to 28% of divisions from 2005-2010.
This indicates a growing willingness among backbenchers to oppose government measures.
What is the Backbench Business Committee?
Established in 2010, it allows MPs to choose a topic for debate on 35 days in each parliamentary session.
Topics can be selected in response to e-petitions and proposals with cross-party support.
What are ‘urgent questions’ (UQs)?
Questions that an MP can raise requiring an immediate answer from a government minister, subject to speaker approval.
Speaker John Bercow allowed 3,547 UQs from 2009-2013, significantly more than his predecessor.
What limits the influence of backbenchers?
The government has a majority on public bill committees, often using its strength to introduce its own amendments.
This restricts backbenchers’ ability to propose changes to legislation.
What is the role of the Leader of the Opposition?
To hold the government to account, especially in responding to the government’s annual programme and budget.
This includes leading debates and scrutinising government proposals.
How many days per year are allocated for opposition parties to propose subjects for debate?
20 days per year, with 17 days at the disposal of the leader of the official opposition.
The remaining 3 days are for the second-largest party.
What is ‘short money’?
Assistance available to opposition parties to help carry out their parliamentary business.
It compensates for the lack of civil service support that government parties receive.
True or False: The official opposition has significant power if the government has a strong majority.
False.
A strong majority limits the official opposition’s parliamentary power.
What does the Ofcom Broadcasting Code ensure for opposition parties?
It ensures that opposition parties are given plenty of opportunities by broadcasters to express their views.
This helps them combat government narratives and maintain a strong agenda-setting function.
