ETVT the Parliament performs its functions effectively

T1 – Passing Legislation, ineffective

Majority of PMBs no passed, very difficult w/o gov support. 2022-23 parliamentary session 297 PMBs, 24 royal assent (8%).

HOL especially impactful with ability to delay for up to year, forces concession in small/no majority govs e.g. May gov failed to pass EU Withdrawal Act when relying on DUP Confidence & Supply.

Fast-Tracked legislation may be too reactionary, lead to unworkable laws e.g. 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act (passed in response to tabloids of dog attacks) prohibited breeds of dogs over responsible owners. RSPCA review found of 30 deaths, 21 of involved breeds not specified in act, both flawed and ineffective.

T1 – Passing Legislation, effective

Uncodified constitution means parl is supreme legislative body, authority to pass laws on any subject.

Majority provided by FPTP and power of whips means gov rarely has problems passing bills e.g. 2022-23 parliamentary session gov introduced 56 bills, 43 royal assent (76%) by end of legislation including Online Safety Act, Illegal Migration Act.

HOL ultimately is advisory body, can offer amendments but not block bills due to parliament acts, used 7 times total (e.g. for age 16 consent for hetero/homosexual Sexual Offences Act 2000).

Amendments often taken e.g. Levelling up & Regeneration Act 64 successful amendments improving function of bill rather than changing it.

Parl ability to pass bills quickly crucial in times of emergency e.g. Coronavirus Act enforcing lockdown measures given Royal Assent 6 days after first reading.

T1 – Passing Legislation, overall

Parl largely effective at passing legislation, gov dominance in HOC and supremacy of HOC in parl means rarely problems passing legislation, fulfilling mandate. Rushed bills can be problematic but HOL acts as effective legislative scrutiny for unelected body.

T2 – Scrutiny of Government, effective

Number of ways to hold gov accountable, key role in scrutiny.

One is select committees, look at depth into issues, measured and professional responses respected, less partisan than PMQs, therefore effective accountability. Gov has to directly respond to findings in 8 weeks, demonstrating ability to pressure/influence gov policy, ensure depts perform effectively. Select committee chairs elected by secret HOC ballots, Inc. legitimacy needed as 40% amendments offered taken 1997-2010.

PMQs also important, parl can scrutinise exec. 6 guaranteed/week for opposition, painting gov in bad light forces PM to defend policies/actions e.g. Johnson unable to defend against partygate, scandal reshaped public perception and forced resignation. Arguably reason for CON poor performance 2024, 121 lowest seat share for CON and Opposition in modern history, sig result of parl scrut.

T2 – Scrutiny of Government, ineffective

Methods, esp partisan ones flawed.

PMQs lead to Parliamentary theatre (showing up other side), more important than holding gov accountable, draws most public attention (headline grabbing moments), e.g. Reeves boohooing July 2025, general use of comebacks, jabs rather than effective scrutiny in content.

Gov backbenchers also ask questions drafted by whips, intended to flatter rather than scrutinise e.g. 13/11/24 Patrick Hurley asks whether budget "provide much needed investment" and properly support public services "unlike the previous government”, planted to condemn CON policy platform and boast of Labour £1.3B investment.

T2 – Scrutiny of Government, overall

While methods flawed, ability of parl to scrutinise gov still effective as ability to directly question members of gov acts a direct channel for accountability.