The ways in which Parliament interacts with the Executive

Definition of parliamentary privilege

The right of MPs or Lords to make certain statements within Parliament without being subject to outside influence, including the law. They have free speech.

Why is parliamentary privilege seen as a vital principle?

So the MPs can speak freely without feeling bound to the Government. It allows them to represent their constituencies and try and benefit them. It enhances the scrutiny role.

An example of when parliamentary privilege was in practice?

In May 2011, MP John Hemming rose to ask a question, which involved criticising super - injunctions (legal bans on the press reporting on private issues or even being able to name the individual, such as celebrities). He starting talking about 75,000 people naming “Ryan Giggs” on Twitter, it is impractical to imprison them all. This event exemplified parliamentary privilege as it allowed Hemming to discuss a legal issue without fear of legal repercussions.

How can parliamentary privilege undermine the rule of law and the ability to have a fair trial?

It allows MPs to make statements that may influence public opinion and potentially prejudice ongoing legal proceedings. For example, Peter Hain broke an injunction taken by Sir Philip Green over allegations of sexual assault and misconduct. The HOL took no action against Lord Hain and his actions were “straightforward attack on the rule of law”.

What role do backbenchers do?

The take part in debates, can propose private members’ bills, they can represent constituents by trying to address their aggrievances and they hold the government to account, by participating in committees

Example of a successful back bench MP?

Mhairi Black (SNP) was aged only 20 when she was elected in 2015. She made impactful speeches and was quickly made a member of the Work and Pensions Select Committee and specialised on issues concerning welfare and inequality.

Definition of select committee?

A committee responsible for scrutinising the work of the government, particularly individual government departments

What is the role of the Public Accounts Committee?

To examine the public finances. They scrutinise value for money, the economy, efficiency and effectiveness of public spending and generally holds the government and its civil servants for account for the delivery of public services

Why is the public accounts committee powerful?

Its chair is always a member of the main opposition party. The chair and members are all elected by MPs and so are not controlled by party leaders, leading to more effective scrutiny. This independence means that the government has no advantage on the committee.

An example of a key Public accounts committee investigation?

In 2020, they investigated into gambling regulation and the issues of problem gambling and the vulnerable. In conclusion of the investigation, the government announced proposals to ban the use of credit cards on online gambling sites to prevent people form incurring large gambling debts.

How did the Public Accounts committee force a government response?

The reports are publicised by the media and met with public outrage. The committee’s power rests on its ability to gain public support for its investigations, which pressures the government into acting

What are the features of departmental select committees?

Cross - party whips determine which committee chairs will be awarded to each party (be in line with party representation in the commons). They can call witnesses to give evidence and ask detailed questions, scrutinising government departments and their activities.

Key departmental select committee reports example

In 2020, the transport committee condemned the way British Airways had treated its employees during the pandemic. They urged the ned of the 14 - day quarantine by June 2020 and that airlines not be hasty about large - scale redundancies.