the role of backbench mps
650 MPs, unless government ministers or opposition frontbench spokespersons, are backbenchers
all backbenchers have equal status
they refer to each other as 'the member for...' instead of using names
role of mps:
MPs' roles include:
Participating in legislative debates and voting
Speaking in general debates on government business
Participating in backbench debates for airing national or constituency interests
Possibly serving on a House of Commons select committee
Scrutinising proposed legislation during committee stage
Actively joining campaign committees on specific issues
Participating in fact-finding missions, sometimes abroad
Membership in a party-formed committee to develop policy on a particular issue
Campaigning, lobbying, and speaking for outside interests or causes
Addressing constituents' grievances against public bodies and lobbying ministers
Attending constituency events and joining local campaign groups.
second jobs:
Many MPs hold additional jobs alongside their role as backbenchers.
Some work as GPs, legal advisors, or in journalism, including roles in GB News or Talk TV.
Others earn significant income from serving on company boards.
The issue of second jobs gained attention during the Owen Paterson affair, causing damage to Johnson.
While a scandal, it did not resonate as strongly as the MPs expenses controversy in 2008.
effectiveness of backbench mps | ineffectiveness |
|---|---|
mps are just ‘lobby fodder’ or ‘party hacks’, who simply do as the party whips tell them uncritically n hope their loyalty will one day be rewarded by promotion | |
- Backbench MPs often lack power against dominant party front benches. - Limited influence over legislation and government accountability. - Can introduce Private Members Bills, like the 1967 Abortion Act. - Opportunities to participate in Parliamentary Committees, especially when related to their interests. - Parliament can alter legislation during the Second Reading of a bill, the first open debate. | |
parliamentary debates are often sparsely attended, suggesting a lack of interest in public policy | |
- Parliament Recess: - MPs have extended breaks, similar to teachers. - Recess provides MPs an opportunity to focus on their constituencies. - Recall Possibility: - MPs can be recalled during recess if necessary. - Example: Jo Cox MP's recall after her murder in 2016, and for voting on air strikes against ISIS in Iraq in 2014. | |
- MPs' Allegations: - MPs accused of being self-seeking and corrupt, exemplified by the 2009-10 expenses scandal. - Some MPs hold lucrative second jobs, potentially impacting their dedication to parliamentary duties. - Instances like Nadine's lower attendance are noted. - Counterarguments: - Some second jobs, like those of doctors, can contribute positively to the community. - Notably, SNP MPs are prohibited from having second jobs. | |
mps are often unknown in their constituencies; many do not know their area well eg vicky ford > born and raised in northern ireland |
- Backbench Business Committee (2010):
- Established in 2010, the Backbench Business Committee has the authority to select debate topics for 35 days per parliamentary session.
- Some topics are chosen based on e-petitions.
- Debates occasionally take place in the Great Hall to alleviate the workload on the Commons chamber.
- Harvey's Law (2015):
- A 2015 debate led to the introduction of Harvey's Law.
- Mandates the Highways Agency to notify pet owners if their animals are killed on roads.
- Committee Operations:
- Responds to proposals with cross-party support.
- Encourages collaboration among MPs in requesting debates.
private members’ bill:
private members’ bills introduced by individual MPs/members of the Lords rather than by the govt
purpose is to change the law, applying to general population
- Individual Initiatives:
- Presented by individual MPs or Peers.
- 20 MPs' bills selected by ballot by the Backbench Business Committee (BBC) each session.
- Parliamentary Process:
- Guaranteed at least one reading, involving discussion in the chamber.
- While not many private member bills become law, some resonate with the public, government, or opposition.
- Key Example - 2018:
- Lib Dem MP Wera Hobhouse introduced a Private Members' Bill (PMB) on 'The Voyeurism Offences Act' to combat upskirting.
- Notable for its twists and turns, detailed on page 220.
parliamentary privilege:
**the right of mps or lords to make certain statements within Parliament without being subject to outside influence, including the law.”
- Parliamentary Privilege (PP):
- MPs are immune from prosecution or lawsuits for slander while speaking in Parliament.
- Examples include MP John Hemmings naming footballer Ryan Giggs during an injunction and MP Peter Hain naming Philip Green over sexual assault allegations in 2018.
- Caution with PP:
- MPs rarely, if ever, use Parliamentary Privilege to name fellow MPs or ministers.
rise of rebellions:
- Backbench Rebellions Trend:
- Rise in backbench rebellions against government measures, notably since 2012, although the overall numbers have decreased.
- Statistics on Rebellions:
- Philip Cowley and Mark Stuart's calculation: Coalition MPs rebelled in 35% of divisions during the 2010-15 parliament, compared to 28% under Labour in 2005-2010.
- Impact on Policy:
- Successful backbench rebellions can lead to policy changes.
- Governments may choose not to proceed if unsure of support.
- Examples of Successful Rebellions Needed: (Note: More specific examples would be required for detailed instances.)
backbench rebellion: when MPs go against the wishes of their party on a given vote
urgent questions:
- Rise in Urgent Questions:
- There is an increase in the use of urgent questions in Parliament.
- Definition and Approval:
- Urgent questions, subject to the Speaker's approval, enable an MP to raise a pressing matter that requires an immediate answer from a government minister.
- Statistical Comparison:
- Speaker John Bercow allowed 3547 urgent questions during 2009-2013.
- In contrast, the previous Speaker, Michael Martin, only allowed 1234 urgent questions during 2000-2009.
limits on effectiveness:
- MPs Drawing Attention:
- MPs employ various methods to highlight issues they care about, but success in prompting action is not guaranteed.
- 10-Minute Rule:
- MPs can utilize the 10-minute rule to speak for a brief period on their chosen subject before official business begins.
- Typically, this allows them to raise their concerns but may not provide sufficient time for substantial discussion or action.
frontbench domination:
Despite occasional rebellion, MPs largely adhere to what front bench say.
Depending on majority they can have only limited sway over legislation.
Don’t forget the patronage system, the payroll and coattails vote.
Often prominent ministers who go back to the backbenchers have certain prestige or sway. Look at Teresa May recently, for example. Priti Patel and Suella Braverman use their profile to make headlines over immigration.
meanwhile in the lords:
- Peers' Background and Knowledge:
- Many peers, including former government ministers, possess extensive knowledge of legislation and actively engage in debates.
- Diverse Expertise:
- Peers may come from diverse backgrounds, such as business, unions, or pressure groups, contributing varied perspectives.
- Government Accountability:
- With smaller majorities, the government is compelled to pay closer attention to Lords and take their input more seriously.
- Scrutiny Role:
- Peers play a crucial role in scrutinizing government actions and legislation.
- Departmental Representatives:
- Each government department has a junior minister in the Lords, available to answer questions specific to that department.