 starter activity George Galloway making an infamous appearance on celebrity big brother in a cat suit. Galloway is the ‘Respect’ MP for Bethnal Green & Bow. Do you think he is a good advert for effectiveness of MPs?

Do individual MPs make a difference?  Aims Examine opportunities for MPs to influence policy Role of ‘whips’

 Your task Read p. 212 and list the ways MPs can make a difference

MPs making a difference Criticise policy – Question Time, motions for adjournment, ‘catch the speaker’s eye’ Initiate legislation – Private Member’s Bill Convey their views – media appearances, sound out party colleagues Mavericks – MPs at end of career or no hopes of promotion Bob Marshall-Andrews, Lab MPs for Medway. Outspoken critic of govt on issues such as constitutional reform & criminal justice system.

 Your task Using page 212 / 213 , draw up a list of factors which limit MPs ability to scrutinise government.

Limitations on MPs Career politicians – Anthony King Poor facilities Amount & complexity of govt. Constituency work Select & standing committees

 Your task List the functions of the party ‘whip’ Give reasons why MPs ‘toe the party line’

Functions of whips Officials who manage supporters of the party Maintain party discipline & unity Chief whip assisted by 8-10 assistant whips Whips in the Lords 3 line whip – compulsory attendance 2 line whip – pairing system 1 line whip requests attendance

Reasons for whips Maintaining unity Carry out party mandate Divisions provide ammunition for opposition & media Confuse electorate over party direction Undermine leadership Lab PM, 1976-9 Cons, 1990-97

Reasons for ‘toeing the line’ Don’t want opposition to form govt. Opportunities for private redress (informal processes) e.g. 1922 Committee Carrot & stick approach – promise of promotion

Frequency of rebellions Rebellions over contentious or key issues, e.g. Iraq, fox-hunting, tuition fees, criminal justice Free votes – moral or ethical issues, e.g. fox-hunting (2003) Parliament Act (1949) used to enforce ban on hunting

What is this cartoonist implying about the nature of backbench MPs?  Your task Create a spider diagram highlighting the key contributions backbench MPs can make. What is this cartoonist implying about the nature of backbench MPs?

Contribution of backbenchers Useful party members – e.g. specialists in key areas of party policy Good constituency members Individualists – thorn in the side of party leaders Other professional interests – e.g. law, journalism, charities

 Debate This house believes that in today’s political climate, MPs are unable to make a difference to government policy. Choose someone to support & oppose the motion Someone to second the opening statements Someone to sum up the debate. Finally … take a vote!

 Homework Question 2 on p.220. Please remember to answer ALL 3 parts of the question. Aim to write a paragraph for question a, ¾ of a side for question b and two sides for question c Don’t forget your targets and a bibliography Try to conduct your own research into the topic.