1. The Role of the Opposition

2. How does it work
• The opposition is charged with holding the government
to account, even if heavily outnumbered
• They can make damaging contributions in debates
• The opposition leader can make public criticisms of the
government’s record in PMQT
• Other members of the shadow cabinet can call the
members of the executive to account in a similar way
• It is argued that having a strong opposition to
government is vital
• Without a strong opposition, the leading party can make
serious mistakes
• A strong opposition can help unite the backbenchers and
even prevent rebellions

3. The role of backbench MPs
• Backbench MPs are members of ALL parties
who are not part of the Executive (Ministers)
• Key responsibilities are:
– Representing their constituents
– Serving constituents
– Voting on legislation
– Debates
– Committee work
– Private members’ bills
– Executive Scrutiny

4. The Legislative Process:
• Queen’s speech: once agreed, the government’s programme is
announced at the beginning of each parliamentary session
• First Reading: (no vote)
• Second Reading: MPs debate principle and vote on it
• Committee stage: bill is allotted to relevant standing committee (see
last lesson) where it is scrutinised but rarely changed much, due to
government majority built into committee
• Reading Stage: if the committee does suggest major changes, the
House of Commons as a WHOLE has to approve them
• Third Reading: Since the bill can no longer be amended, there are
rarely changes or amendments at this stage
• House of Lords: the bill must negotiate a similar course as the
previous stages in the Lords. The HOL cannot reject a bill, however
they can return the bill to the commons with amendments. The
Commons can then choose whether to accept or reject these
changes
• Royal Assent: now a formality; however necessary for a bill to
become law