Public Law Workshop 5

Workshop 5

Prime Minister

Political head of the UK government and leader of the central executive (Prime Minister and Cabinet).

Cabinet

A group of senior ministers (Secretaries of State) from major government departments, chaired by the Prime Minister, that makes collective decisions on policy.

Collective Ministerial Responsibility (CMR)

A convention that binds all government ministers to the decisions of the Cabinet, requiring confidentiality, unanimity, and confidence in Parliament.

Privy Council

A historic body, now largely symbolic, advising the monarch on the exercise of the royal prerogative.

Civil Service

A group that supports the government in policy development and the delivery of public services, required to act impartially.

Individual Ministerial Responsibility (IMR)

A convention requiring ministers to accept responsibility for their department's errors and failures, potentially leading to resignation.

Ministerial Code

A set of rules designed to enhance transparency and accountability in government among ministers.

Ministerial Competence

Accountability of ministers for policy implementation and public spending, guided by conventions and the Ministerial Code.

Select Committees

Parliamentary committees established to scrutinise government activities, composed of members from the House of Commons or Lords.

Political Neutrality

A principle that requires civil servants to remain impartial and serve various political parties equally.

Crichel Down Affair

An incident in 1954 that highlighted the need for changes in Individual Ministerial Responsibility guidelines.

Majority in the House of Commons

The party or coalition that holds more than half of the seats in the House, often forming the government.

Confidence of Parliament

A key aspect for the government, where ministers must maintain the trust of Parliament to remain in office.

Scott Report

A 1996 report emphasizing accountability and transparency in government after the 'Arms to Iraq' affair.

House of Commons Select Committees

Committees that focus on scrutinising government departments, each corresponding to a department of state.

Joint Committees

Committees composed of members from both Houses of Parliament addressing specific issues such as human rights or national security.

Anonymity of Civil Servants

The principle that civil servants are generally not public-facing, with accountability primarily resting with ministers.

Confidentiality in CMR

The practice of keeping Cabinet discussions and papers secret and recognized in the case of Attorney-General v Jonathan Cape [1976].

Legislative Committees (Public Bill Committees)

Committees focused on specific pieces of proposed legislation within Parliament.

Ministerial Accountability

The concept that ministers must account for their department's actions and inform Parliament accurately.

Osmotherly Rules

Guidelines governing civil servants' behavior when giving evidence to parliamentary select committees.

Seven Principles of Public Life

The ethical standards (selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, leadership) that inform the Ministerial Code.

Unanimity in CMR

The principle requiring all ministers to publicly support Cabinet decisions, or resign if unable to do so.