Parliament: pt.2

The Opposition, the Speaker, Bills

Who is the Opposition?

The party who wins the second most seats in a general election- becomes Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition

What are the roles of the Opposition?

• Hold the government to account by appointing a Shadow Cabinet, with each shadow minister scrutinising the workings of a particular government department 

• contribute to the legislative process by proposing amendments 

• Set out their own policies that they would pursue as an alternative government

What is the role of the Speaker of the House of Commons?

• Presides over Commons impartially – discards party alliance but remains an MP

• Keeps order and calls MPs to speak – they must catch his eye

• Chairs House of Commons Commission

• Election – by MPs after general election on motion by Father of the House (member with longest unbroken service) through exhaustive secret ballot system

Who is the Leader of the House?

• appointed by the Prime minister; a member of the cabinet

• controls the timetable of the House of Commons in liaison with the opposition

• decides when and for how long bills are debated + when the opposition is given a chance to choose the subject for debate

• ensures government legislation is not blocked

• the leader may deputise for the PM if there is no deputy PM

How is government legislation formed?

Government legislation is normally opinion-tested before being formally introduced to Parliament. Can take the form of:

• a Green Paper: a rough outline if the proposed Bill

and/or:

• a White Paper: a more detailed outline of the proposed Bill

Who introduces a Bill?

Normally introduced by the Commons, but can also be introduced by the Lords

It must be considered by both houses before receiving Royal Assent

List the stages for a Bill to become an Act

First reading: the new Bill’s full title is read out in the Commons

Second reading: general principles of the Bill are read out- debate and first vote carried out

Committee stage: a public or private Bill committee consider the main clauses in detail

Report stage: Committee’s recommendations referred to Commons in written report. Further amendments may follow

Third reading: Bill reviewed and debated in final intended form. FINAL VOTE.

House of Lords: Amendments made by Lords must be agreed by Commons before Bill can proceed. Lords do not debate Money Bill

Royal Assent: final approval, turns Bill into an Act

What are Private Members’ bills?

A type of primary legislation that is introduced by backbenchers

How can these Bills be proposed?

• Private members’ Bill Fridays:

  • MP enters ballot for slot during a Friday Pvt Mb meeting (20/400 successful)

  • MP introduces bill on Friday – needs support of 100 members

  • If introduced, goes to Public Bill Committee for consideration/amendment

  • Report Stage and 3rd Reading take place on further Fridays

  • Must then pass House of Lords

• The 10 minute rule:

  • MPs can introduce bills on Tues/Weds with 15 days’ notice

  • 10 min speech but must have it proposed, seconded and can be supported by 10 others max

  • Opposing member has 10 mins to reply.

• Ordinary Presentation Bill:

  • MP gives notice of intention to produce Bill at Public Bills Office

  • MP Presents on Fri pm after balloted bills without speech – it’s then discussed