Scrutiny in the House of Commons

What are the three roles of HM Opposition?

Scrutinise and Oppose the Government
Support the Government
Provide and alternative

How many days are HM opposition given in each parliamentary session?

17 Days

How much short money was given to Labour in 2021/22?

£6.6 million

How much money does each to all opposition parties per 200 votes?

£36.76

Why may HM Opposition be ineffective at scrutiny?

The Opposition have lost an election and if they were previously the governing party they can lack credibility as they are blamed for what the Gov is trying to fix. E.g Labour 2010-2015 after the 2008 financial crisis.

Which Conservative backbench organisation can remove the party leader by a vote of no confidence?

1922 Committee

Which two Conservatives leaders resigned after being threatened by a 1922 Committee vote of no confidence?

Boris Johnson
Liz Truss

How many days in the Parliamentary calendar are allocated to backbench business?

35 days.

What legal action does Parliamentary Privilege prevent MPs and Lords from?

Speak freely in chambers without being sued for slander or libel.
Prosecution for breaking the Official Secets ACt

When did the Zircon Affair begin?

1985

Why did the BBC make a documentary about the satellite in the Zircon Affair?

Spy Satellite had not been declared to the public accounts committee.

How did MPs exercise Parliamentary privilege over the Zircon Affair?

Broke the Official Secrets Act by watching the documentary in House of Commons.

How long do PMQs last?

30 mins

What did Keir Starmer chant at Lizz Truss after her mini budget?

'Gone'

After which event did Urgent questions begin increasing?

Brexit

Who did Lizz Truss send to answer an urgent question about her economic plans after the Mini budget ?

Penny Mordaunt

What is/was Penny Mordaunt's role in Sept 2022?

Leader of the House of Commons

Who decides if an emergency debate should be called?

The Speaker

One example of an Emergency Debate:

Owen Paterson Lobbying Scandal

When was the Emergency debate over Owen Paterson held?

November 2021

Who selects the chair of a select committee?

Elected by the 11 MPs on the Committee

What can Ministers claim to avoid select committees?

Crown Privilege

One Minister who avoided Select Committees using crown privilege?

Priti Patel- dodged 3 meetings in a row about bullying claims.

When was the last vote of no confidence?

2022

How many Conservative MPs abstained from voting in the vote of no confidence against Boris Johnson?

14