select committees are the most effective way for the house of commons to hold the government to account

Question 1

In-Depth Scrutiny of Government Departments/ direct influence on policy making

Answer 1

1. According to the Institute for Government, about 40% of select committee recommendations are accepted by the government, either fully or partially.

vs 6% of PMBs on average

2. Amber Rudd held to account in 2018 on misleading the Home Affairs Select Committee on deportation targets–led to her eventual resignation

Question 2

Expert-Led and Cross-Party Work

Answer 2

1. Wright reforms of 2010 – HOC select commitees elected by whole house not selected by whips as reward
2. less whip pressure giving greater ability to scrutinise the executive
3. Committees like the Public Accounts Committee became more assertive post-reform.

Question 3

Select Committees force the government to justify it’s actions

Answer 3

Many committee hearings are televised, and key reports gain wide media attention—especially when ministers are grilled or controversial issues are raised.

2. 2022 Impact of Brexit Committee- the only impact so far was making it worse for businesses​

–> forces govt to justify its actions (must respond to committee reports in 60 days)

Question 4

PMQs and Urgent Questions Offer Real-Time Accountability

Answer 4

1. Keir Starmer has used PMQs to challenge Conservative PMs on key issues like Partygate, NHS backlogs, and inflation, placing public pressure on the government.
2. once a week– MPs can directly scrutinise and question govt– pressure

Question 5

Debates and Votes in the Chamber Can Have Direct Impact

Answer 5

1. Theresa May’s Brexit deal was defeated three times in the Commons in 2019 following extensive debate and scrutiny by MPs.
2. The Debate on the Iraq War (2003)
   Context: In the run-up to the Iraq War, there was a massive debate in the House of Commons :The debate prompted strong opposition, especially from Labour MPs like Robin Cook and Clare Short, who resigned over their opposition to the war.– govt still won comfortablely

Question 6

Select Committees have little formal power and can be ignored

Answer 6

1. BoJo as mayor walked out of a Transport Committee about snow on public transport in 2009 ​
2. HofL has more tangible power than Select Committees: can delay bills for a year, involved in creation of legislation