DAISY --> A level Edexcel Politics paper 2 examples 2025-2026

What is the main goal of Labour's 2024 manifesto regarding the House of Lords?

To reform the House of Lords by abolishing hereditary peers and introducing a mandatory retirement age of 80.

R (UNISON) v Lord Chancellor [2017]

Issue: Government introduced fees for employment tribunals.

Ruling: AGAINST the Executive.

Reason: Fees were unlawful as they prevented access to justice.

Principle: Government cannot undermine the rule of law through policy.

Significance: Judiciary protected fundamental rights from executive action.

Miller (No. 1) [2017]

Issue: Government wanted to trigger Brexit (Article 50) without Parliament's vote.

Ruling: AGAINST the Executive.

Reason: Removing EU law rights fundamentally changes UK law; only Parliament can do this.

Principle: Parliamentary Sovereignty over the Royal Prerogative.

Significance: Courts can limit executive power by enforcing constitutional processes.

: Miller (No. 2) / Cherry [2019]

Issue: Prime Minister advised Queen to prorogue (suspend) Parliament for five weeks.

Ruling: AGAINST the Executive.

Reason: Prorogation was unlawful as it frustrated Parliament's ability to function.

Principle: Executive cannot use power to obstruct Parliamentary accountability.

Significance: Landmark ruling that advice to the Sovereign is reviewable by courts.

Shvidler & Dalston Projects Ltd [2025]

Issue: Challenge to government sanctions (asset freeze and yacht detention) on Russian oligarchs.

Ruling: FOR the Executive.

Reason: Courts grant a "wide margin of appreciation" on foreign policy decisions.

Principle: Judicial Deference—courts respect executive expertise in national security.

Significance: Judiciary will uphold government action in areas of high policy if rational.

R v ABJ and BDN [2026]

Issue: Challenge to counter-terrorism law banning support for proscribed groups (freedom of speech).

Ruling: FOR the Executive.

Reason: Law was proportionate given the importance of counter-terrorism.

Principle: Courts balance individual rights against public interest, often deferring to Parliament's intent.

Significance: Judiciary confirmed government's anti-terror legislation as compatible with human rights.

Collective Responsibility - Suella Braverman (2023)

ssue: Home Secretary published an unauthorised article criticising the Metropolitan Police's policing of protests .

Ruling/Outcome: Prime Minister Rishi Sunak dismissed Braverman from Cabinet .

Principle: Collective Ministerial Responsibility (CMR) requires ministers to publicly support government decisions or resign .

Significance: Demonstrated CMR remains a powerful tool for prime ministerial discipline .

Key Takeaway: Ministers cannot publicly contradict government policy without consequence .

Collective Responsibility - EU Referendum "Agreement to Differ" (2016)

Issue: Deep cabinet divisions on EU membership required an exception to normal CMR rules .

Ruling/Outcome: Government agreed a formal "agreement to differ" , allowing ministers to take different personal positions .

Principle: CMR can be temporarily suspended by prime ministerial agreement, as set out in the Cabinet Manual .

Significance: Rare exception enabling collective government unity while permitting individual dissent .

Key Takeaway: CMR is flexible; exceptions exist for referendums or coalition agreements .

Individual Responsibility - Matt Hancock (2021)

ssue: CCTV footage showed Hancock breaching his own department's COVID-19 social distancing rules .

Ruling/Outcome: Hancock resigned as Health Secretary following intense media and public pressure .

Principle: Individual Ministerial Responsibility (IMR) requires ministers to account for personal conduct .

Significance: Demonstrated IMR is now strongly influenced by media scrutiny and public confidence .

Key Takeaway: Personal misconduct is highly likely to trigger IMR and resignation .

Individual Responsibility - Gavin Williamson (2020 & 2022)

Issue 1 (2020): Departmental failure—algorithm downgraded thousands of students' exam results .

Issue 2 (2022): Personal misconduct—allegations of bullying and abusive messages to colleagues .

Ruling/Outcome: Did not resign for departmental failure (2020); resigned for personal misconduct (2022) .

Significance: IMR is applied inconsistently; personal misconduct triggers resignation more than policy failures .

Key Takeaway: Resignation depends on political context, not automatic application of the convention .

: Individual Responsibility - Rachel Reeves (2025)

Chancellor failed to obtain required licence for rental property while earning income from it .

Ruling/Outcome: Did not resign—error judged "inadvertent," remedied promptly, Prime Minister retained confidence .

Principle: Independent adviser found "no evidence of bad faith"; PM concluded further investigation unnecessary .

Significance: Threshold for resignation is flexible; outcome depends on adviser's findings and PM's confidence .

Key Takeaway: Ministers must avoid both wrongdoing and appearance of wrongdoing to survive under IMR .

: Individual Responsibility - Liz Truss & Kwasi Kwarteng (2022)

Issue: Mini-budget announced £45bn of unfunded tax cuts without OBR assessment, spooking markets .

Ruling/Outcome: Kwarteng sacked; Truss resigned shortly after—government collapsed .

Principle: Ministers are responsible for economic credibility and maintaining market confidence .

Significance: Led to Budget Responsibility Bill (2024) requiring OBR assessment of major fiscal changes .

Key Takeaway: IMR can apply to catastrophic policy failure, not just personal misconduct .

What bill has the Labour government introduced concerning hereditary peers?

The House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill, which seeks to remove the remaining 92 hereditary peers.

Who advocated for the UK's withdrawal from the ECHR during the 2024 Conservative Party leadership election?

Robert Jenrick.

What reasons did Robert Jenrick give for leaving the ECHR?

To address illegal immigration and bolster national security, arguing it impedes the UK's ability to manage its borders.

What significant change would leaving the ECHR imply for the UK Constitution?

It would significantly reduce the protection of individual rights and alter the basis of rights protection established by the Human Rights Act.

What is the purpose of the new Council of the Nations and Regions established in October 2024?

To tackle power-sharing challenges and increase cooperation with devolved bodies.

What did Prime Minister Keir Starmer discuss during the first meeting of the Council of the Nations and Regions?

£24 billion of private investments in renewable energy and a fairer funding model for devolved governments.

What is Labour's 'Devolution Revolution'?

A commitment to increase powers for English regional mayors and extend devolution coverage across England.

What percentage of the population in the North of England is covered by a devolved body?

90%.

What powers were granted to mayors under the new devolution agreements?

Powers for strategic planning, housing, transport, and skills.

What significant constitutional implication does full coverage of England represent?

It would establish English devolution as a permanent tier of government with distinct functions and responsibilities.

What is the significance of the House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill in terms of political reform?

It aims to modernize the House of Lords and make it more accountable by removing hereditary peers.

What challenges did the Conservative peers present against the House of Lords reform?

They argued that removing hereditary peers would reduce independent expertise in the Lords.

What was the outcome of Labour's 2024 election regarding their manifesto pledge?

Labour secured a large majority, binding the Lords to allow the reform to go through.

What stance has Kemi Badenoch taken regarding the ECHR since becoming leader?

She has not dismissed the possibility of leaving the ECHR and expressed concerns about international bodies overstepping their mandates.

What is the impact of the Internal Market Act on devolved powers?

It has been used to block devolved legislation, such as the Scottish Bottle Deposit scheme.

What is the significance of the £24 billion investment discussed in the Council of the Nations and Regions?

It highlights the potential for coordinated efforts between devolved governments on renewable energy initiatives.

What does the term 'devolution' refer to in the context of UK politics?

The transfer of powers from the central government to regional or local governments.

What are the implications of increased powers for English regional mayors?

It signifies a shift towards greater local governance and autonomy in England.

What is the purpose of the devolution white paper released by the Labour Government?

To announce greater powers to English regional mayors and push for full devolution coverage in England.

What role do mayoral agreements play in the context of devolution?

They grant mayors more autonomy and funding to implement local plans effectively.

What is the relationship between devolution and the unity of the UK?

Devolution can enhance cooperation and reduce tensions when approached collaboratively by the UK government.

How has the Labour government approached devolution since taking office in 2024?

By signing new mayoral and non-mayoral devolution agreements to increase local powers.

What is the significance of the term 'anarchronism' in the context of the House of Lords reform?

It refers to the outdated nature of hereditary peers' roles in modern British politics.

What is the expected outcome of the House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill despite opposition?

The bill is expected to pass due to the Salisbury Convention.

What is the significance of English devolution?

It establishes a permanent tier of government with distinct functions and responsibilities, reducing the asymmetry of devolution.

Who is Eluned Morgan?

The Welsh First Minister who criticized the UK government for its policies affecting Wales.

What did Eluned Morgan call for in May 2025?

She called for the UK government to halt cuts to disability benefits and rethink cuts to the winter fuel allowance.

What was the response of SNP MPs to the Assisted Dying Bill in 2024?

They voluntarily sat out of the debate as the bill did not affect Scotland.

What was the outcome of the vote on the Assisted Dying Bill?

46 Scottish MPs from other parties voted against the bill, despite majority support from English and Welsh MPs.

What is the Greater Manchester Combined Authority's Anti-Poverty Strategy?

A strategy focusing on preventing poverty and creating pathways out of deprivation tailored to local needs.

What are some key measures of Manchester's Anti-Poverty Strategy?

Targeted financial support, expanding access to affordable childcare, and strengthening employment programs.

What did Prime Minister Keir Starmer announce in February 2025 regarding defense spending?

A raise in defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, benefiting Scotland's economy.

How does the current devolution framework benefit national security policy?

It ensures coherent, unified policy on key areas like defense, which are reserved to Westminster.

What health legislation did the Welsh Senedd introduce in March 2025?

The Food (Promotion and Presentation) (Wales) Regulations Act, banning unhealthy food displays in supermarkets.

What is the significance of the 2017 Wales Act?

It expanded the powers of the Welsh Assembly, allowing greater autonomy in health and social services.

What was the funding announced by Keir Starmer for regional transport in March 2025?

£415m to improve rail links in the North of England.

What was the criticism regarding the House of Lords in December 2024?

Labour made 30 nominations for peerages to address the imbalance caused by the Conservative Party's increased membership.

What was the balance of peers in the House of Lords after Labour's nominations?

273 Tory peers, 187 Labour peers, and 184 crossbenchers.

What impact does devolution have on public policy in the UK?

It allows for tailored policies that address specific regional needs, leading to variations in laws and services.

What is the significance of the Crown Estate in relation to Wales?

Wales seeks to benefit more from wind power via the Crown Estate, similar to Scotland.

What reform did Labour's 2024 manifesto propose for the House of Lords?

Complete abolition of hereditary peers, a mandatory retirement age of 80, and a public consultation on a more representative second chamber.

What is the purpose of the House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill?

To remove the remaining 92 hereditary peers from the House of Lords.

What argument do Conservative peers make against the House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill?

They argue that removing hereditary peers would reduce independent expertise in the Lords.

How did the formation of the Independent Alliance affect the representation in Parliament?

It allowed the 5 Pro-Gaza MPs to have more parliamentary time and increased their prominence.

What significant legislation did the House of Commons pass on November 24, 2024?

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, legalizing assisted dying for terminally ill adults.

What does the term 'free vote' mean in the context of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill?

MPs were allowed to vote according to their conscience rather than along party lines.

What percentage of the House of Commons and House of Lords were women after the 2024 election?

37% of the House of Commons and 29% of the House of Lords.

What percentage of MPs in the House of Commons and House of Lords come from minority ethnic backgrounds after the 2024 election?

13% in the House of Commons and 7.3% in the House of Lords.

What is the educational background representation in Parliament after the 2024 election?

23% of the House of Commons and 57% of the House of Lords went to private schools.

What is the significance of James Timpson's appointment to the House of Lords?

It demonstrates how life peers can bring specialist expertise into government and parliament.

What does the term 'trustee model of representation' refer to?

It refers to MPs exercising their own judgment rather than strictly adhering to public opinion.

What is the impact of the Independent Alliance on parliamentary democracy?

It enhances pluralism by ensuring all sections of the electorate have a collective voice.

How did the Labour government respond to the hereditary peers issue since taking office?

They introduced the House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill but have not yet set up a public consultation.

What was the public support for assisted dying according to polling before the vote?

Polling showed 2/3rds of the public supported assisted dying.

What demographic changes were noted in the 2024 election candidates?

69% of the candidates were male, highlighting gender imbalance.

What does the term 'anachronism' refer to in the context of the House of Lords?

It refers to the outdated role of the aristocracy in legislation.

What is the expected outcome for the House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill?

It is expected to pass due to the Salisbury Convention and Labour's electoral mandate.

What percentage of the House of Commons went to university compared to the general population?

90% of the House of Commons went to university compared to 42% of the general population.

What is the significance of the 2024 election results for LGBT+ representation in Parliament?

68 MPs in the 2024 Parliament are LGBT+, compared to an estimated 3.1% of the UK population.

What does the term 'democratic representation' imply in the context of Parliament?

It implies that MPs are elected to represent the interests and concerns of their constituents.

What are the implications of hereditary peers making up 11.15% of the legislature?

They represent a disproportionate influence compared to their 0.001% of the UK population.

What role does the House of Lords play in the legislative process?

It reviews and can amend legislation proposed by the House of Commons.

How does the House of Lords' composition affect its effectiveness?

A lack of diversity in gender and ethnicity may limit its ability to represent the electorate effectively.

Who is James Timpson?

CEO of the Timpson Group and Minister of State for Prisons, known for hiring ex-offenders.

What does James Timpson's role in the House of Lords exemplify?

The ability of the Lords to bring specialist expertise into government.

What is the significance of the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Act?

It demonstrates the legislative process's ability to quickly pass emergency laws.

What event prompted the recall of Parliament on April 12, 2025?

To pass an emergency law preventing the shutdown of the last blast furnace in the UK.

What does the rapid passage of the Steel Industry Act suggest about the UK political system?

It supports the idea of an elective dictatorship due to limited scrutiny.

What does the Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Act aim to achieve?

It aims to bring franchised passenger rail services into public ownership.

What criticism was leveled against the legislative process for the Passenger Railway Services Act?

It was criticized for being rushed and lacking effective scrutiny.

What is a Private Members Bill (PMB)?

A bill introduced by a backbench MP, often with government support.

What was the purpose of the Controlled Drugs (Procedure for Specification) Bill?

To change the procedure for amending the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

What is a common criticism of Private Members Bills?

They often serve as a means for government whips to exert influence over backbenchers.

What does the passage of the Terminally Ill Adults Bill illustrate about backbenchers?

It shows that backbenchers can propose significant changes to law via the PMB process.

What concern was raised about the rapid passage of the Terminally Ill Adults Bill?

It was criticized for insufficient evidence, analysis, and scrutiny.

What is the Employment Rights Bill (2025) primarily characterized as?

A framework legislation or 'skeleton' bill delegating powers to Government ministers.

What concerns have been raised regarding the Employment Rights Bill?

Concerns about expansive executive law-making powers and limited scrutiny.

Who criticized the timetable of the Employment Rights Bill?

Shadow Minister for Justice, Gareth Bacon.

What was a positive aspect of the scrutiny process for the Employment Rights Bill?

The government scheduled two days for the report stage, improving legislative scrutiny.

What did the Labour Government promise regarding legislative scrutiny?

To improve standards in the introduction and timetabling of bills.

What was the Business and Trade Select Committee's inquiry focused on?

The inquiry took written and oral evidence on a bill and made 5 key recommendations.

What was one of the key recommendations of the Business and Trade Select Committee?

Explicitly stating reforms to end zero-hour contracts.

What is the significance of Select Committees in Parliament?

They provide evidence-based scrutiny and the government must respond to their findings within 8 weeks.

What did the Labour government approve on July 12, 2024, regarding prisoners?

A Statutory Instrument allowing early release of prisoners after serving 40% of their term.

Who introduced the Statutory Instrument for early prisoner release?

Justice Minister Shabana Mahmood.

What was introduced on November 27, 2024, to address problem gambling?

A mandatory levy on bookmakers and casinos, alongside caps on online slot machine stakes.

How much is the new gambling levy expected to generate annually?

£100 million for research, prevention, and treatment of gambling-related harms.

Under which act was the gambling levy introduced?

The Gambling Act 2005.