POLITICS - UK GOV - PMQS , MINISTERIAL QUESTIONS , UQs

Whats meant by scrutiny

examining something in a close or detailed way

what is said to be parliaments most important function

to hold the government to account

how does parliament scrutinise the governments

• pmqs

• ministers questions

• debates

• written questions

• opposition days

• select committees

What are PMQs

weekly questions posed by MPs to the Prime minister

arguments PMQs are effective for holding gov to account

• allows the opposition to directly hold the PM to account

• draws media attention to issues and puts pressure on gov

• forces gov to defend actions/policy

arguments PMQs are ineffective for holding the gov to account

• descend into theatrics / political point scoring

• Prime Ministers heavily briefed on pmqs so have pre prepared answers

• often evade tough questions , boris johnson notorious for

what are ministerial questions

• every 3 -4 weeks ministers must appear before parliament

• they are asked questions relating to their department

• they are supported by their junior ministers

what are urgent questions

urgent questions are submitted to the speaker who decides if they are urgent

if granted the relevant minister must appear in parlaiment and answer said question, and follow up questions

how has urgent questions changed over time

significantly more urgent questions have been granted in recent times

how do written questions hold the gov to account

• the minister must respond within a week of asked by the commons

• ministers are required to be as open with parliament as possible, as long as its in the publics interest

factors influencing how accountable the gov is to parliament

• size of gov majority

• whips preventing