How effective is Parliament?
PM limited by European Constitution which defeats Parliamentary Sovereignty. Limited by scrutiny of Parliament (apparently).
Foley, political scientist since days of Margaret Thatcher, remarked on her presidential style, believed this had increased with Tony Blair. Reduction of cabinet meetings to half an hour per week, informal attitude to discussion (‘sofa’ politics), disregard for cabinet agenda (Millennium Dome – cabinet wanted it “fired into space”, Blair went along with it anyway), appealing over the heads of Cabinet and directly to the public (Terrorism Act) control of media (Alistair Campbell), presidential style (sound bites – ‘people’s princess’), relationship with Bush.
House of Lords intended to scrutinise work of government, has power to veto legislation for a maximum of two years. No longer any hereditary peers in House of Lords
Parliament fails to be entirely representative. First Past the Post System, e.g. Labour receives 55% of the seats but only %35 of the votes. Background of typical MPs, in 2001 out of 365 MPs, only 118 female. Only 12 MPs from ethnic minorities, representing 2% of the 5.5% of ethnic minorities which the population consists of. A third are privately educated, distinct lack of representation for the working classes.
Parliament can prove effective in right circumstances, but overall fails to be so. “Elected Dictatorship”. Standing Committees- assess and suggest amendments to bills (e.g. new Education Bill). Relevant minister for topic required to be present along with spokesperson for the opposition. Sounds effective, not so much so in practice. Heavily influenced by whips. Only pass amendments which come from the government. Not allowed to call outside witnesses so may not even understand what they’re voting on. If a case takes too long, it is ‘guillotined’, thrown out. Select Committees – assigned to scrutinise work of individual departments. Any members of committee prove troublesome to government they can be
Foley, political scientist since days of Margaret Thatcher, remarked on her presidential style, believed this had increased with Tony Blair. Reduction of cabinet meetings to half an hour per week, informal attitude to discussion (‘sofa’ politics), disregard for cabinet agenda (Millennium Dome – cabinet wanted it “fired into space”, Blair went along with it anyway), appealing over the heads of Cabinet and directly to the public (Terrorism Act) control of media (Alistair Campbell), presidential style (sound bites – ‘people’s princess’), relationship with Bush.
House of Lords intended to scrutinise work of government, has power to veto legislation for a maximum of two years. No longer any hereditary peers in House of Lords
Parliament fails to be entirely representative. First Past the Post System, e.g. Labour receives 55% of the seats but only %35 of the votes. Background of typical MPs, in 2001 out of 365 MPs, only 118 female. Only 12 MPs from ethnic minorities, representing 2% of the 5.5% of ethnic minorities which the population consists of. A third are privately educated, distinct lack of representation for the working classes.
Parliament can prove effective in right circumstances, but overall fails to be so. “Elected Dictatorship”. Standing Committees- assess and suggest amendments to bills (e.g. new Education Bill). Relevant minister for topic required to be present along with spokesperson for the opposition. Sounds effective, not so much so in practice. Heavily influenced by whips. Only pass amendments which come from the government. Not allowed to call outside witnesses so may not even understand what they’re voting on. If a case takes too long, it is ‘guillotined’, thrown out. Select Committees – assigned to scrutinise work of individual departments. Any members of committee prove troublesome to government they can be