UK Executive Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is the significance of peerages awarded by the Prime Minister?
Demonstrates the PM’s patronage powers
Relevant for questions about party management and governance
What characterizes Rishi Sunak’s cabinet choices?
Balanced party lines, appointed experienced ministers, overall moderate cabinet
e.g Suella Braverman to appease far right of the party
reveal that internal party pressures can limit autonomy - PM is constrained by party balance
What was a key feature of Keir Starmer’s cabinet choices?
Promoted moderates and Blairites, used expert knowledge for appointments
reflects cabinet is for balancing party ideologies
What happened during the UK air strikes in Yemen in 2023?
Sunak launched strikes on Houthi-controlled sites in response to attacks on ships
without consent of parliament (parliament and opposition leader informed)
Highlights the enduring strength of prerogative powers in defense and demonstrates gap between convention and legal requirement - parliament’s war powers only adrvisory
What was the outcome of the military intervention request in Syria in 2013?
Parliament defeated the motion 272-285, Cameron abandoned plans,
however, announced in 2015 that gov had carried out drone strikes in syria despite notion
whilst initally a sign of the growing strength of the convention, ultimately shows PM holds military power
what happened in 2018 after reports the Syrian gov had used chemical weapons
May ordered air strikes on Syria’s chemical weapons facilities without prior authorisation
- led to criticism she undermind the convention
- may argued it was an emergency
presidentialisation thesis
What does the use of Statutory Instruments (SIs) during COVID-19 illustrate?
passed hundreds of SIs for covid
Executive overreach and minimal parliamentary scrutiny
Indicates lack of checks on executive power in emergencies
What is a statutory instrument
most common form of secondary leg, makes detailed changes to law under authority of an enabling act
mostly passed through negative procedure - parliament doesn’t scrutinise only can voice discontent through a ‘prayer’
Parliament ineffective at scrutinising executive, executive is too powerful
What is a Commencement Order? EG?
Activates specific provisions of an Act of Parliament
Domestic Abuse Act 2021: Order 2021 - brought provisions into force creating new protections for victims of abuse
Gives ministers de facto veto over laws, shows how executive discretion cna overrule parliamentary will, reducing democratic legitimacy
What were the allegations against Dominic Raab and Gavin Williamson in 2023?
Allegations of bullying, both resigned despite denying charges
Highlights tension between political loyalty and ethical standards
shows accountability exists but is reactive and inconsistent
What led to Matt Hancock’s resignation in June 2021?
Caught breaching his own COVID social distancing rules
resigned despite initial resistance due to media attention and public outrage
Demonstrates media and public opinion enforcing accountability
What did Gavin Williamson’s case with Huawei involve?
Accused of leaking sensitive information, eventually resigned
Shows subjectivity of ministerial responsibility
What was the outcome of Gavin Williamson’s handling of Ofqual’s algorithm?
Algorithm scrapped after backlash, Williamson did not resign
Suggests loyalty to PM can override accountability
Demonstrates selective enforcement of ministerial responsibility
What was the outcome of Amber Rudd’s Windrush scandal
immigration policy supporting deportation of people who had lived here for generations
heavy criticism from public and from select committee
eventually resigned
Ministerial accountability working
What was the impact of the Chequers Agreement in July 2018?
Triggered resignations of David Davis and Boris Johnson and undermined cabinet unity
Highlights ideological splits limiting decision-making due to undermining government legitimacy
What were the ‘indicative votes’ related to Brexit in 2019?
Series of votes in parliament to explore alternatives to May’s deal - gov ministers given free vote, suspending collective responsibility
Exposed divisions within government and eroded collective responsibility
What characterized the Coalition Agreement of 2010?
LibDems could abstain but not vote against party line
Demonstrates the upholding of collective responsibility
What is meant by ‘sofa government’ during Blair’s tenure? EG of big decision?
Relying on informal meetings with trusted advisors for key decisions
e.g key decisions made about Iraq Wawr in small groups outside collective forums
Undermined cabinet government despite using formal mechanisms when needed
presidentialisation
What does the war in Ukraine signify in relation to the presidentialisation thesis?
PM played visible roles in global support for Ukraine
Reinforces the concept of PM as an international figurehead
What happened during Black Wednesday in 1992? What was its effect on Majors premiership?
UK withdrew sterling from the European Exchange Rate mechanism due to economic crash and failing to stay within range set by ERM
Undermined Major’s authority and support in Parliament
Major accused of being ‘in office but not in power’
Undermined Major’s authority and support in Parliament
