Evaluate the extent to which the government’s control of
parliament has increased in recent years -
It could be said that the government’s control over parliament
has decreased in recent years due to coalition and minority
governments in 2010 and 2017 allowing the government to be
less dominant in parliament and the number of reforms that
have been introduced to improve the governments
accountability to parliament.
It could be said that the coalition and minority government
meant the government had less control over parliament during
those years. However, since the current government as a large
majority of 80 this is not necessarily true anymore. Evidence by
Johnson’s successful Brexit deal, that May with her minority
government failed to push through, it dorm the government has
regained control over parliament. Unlike the minority/ coalition
Johnson has had the support of MPs to push through
legislation easily and fulfil promises in the manifesto,
suggesting since he can effectively control the Commons as it
is difficult for the opposition to obstruct legislation when there’s
a large majority it seems the government has greater control
over parliament. However this is firstly a fairly weak argument
as Johnson, whilst largely resentful, faced a large backbench
opposition when 55 MPs voted against new measures for
Covid 19. These measures were still passed, however, it
illustrates Johnson necessarily dominating Parliament as he
does not completely control even his own party. It is also
important to note large majorities do not guarantee success as
is illustrated by the fact Thatcher, with a majority of 144, had
her Shops Bill of 1986 defeated.
It could be said the coalition and minority governments are
clear evidence that the government had reduced control over
parliament. During the coalition Cameron suffered record
breaking numbers of backbench rebellions and May suffered
parliament has increased in recent years -
It could be said that the government’s control over parliament
has decreased in recent years due to coalition and minority
governments in 2010 and 2017 allowing the government to be
less dominant in parliament and the number of reforms that
have been introduced to improve the governments
accountability to parliament.
It could be said that the coalition and minority government
meant the government had less control over parliament during
those years. However, since the current government as a large
majority of 80 this is not necessarily true anymore. Evidence by
Johnson’s successful Brexit deal, that May with her minority
government failed to push through, it dorm the government has
regained control over parliament. Unlike the minority/ coalition
Johnson has had the support of MPs to push through
legislation easily and fulfil promises in the manifesto,
suggesting since he can effectively control the Commons as it
is difficult for the opposition to obstruct legislation when there’s
a large majority it seems the government has greater control
over parliament. However this is firstly a fairly weak argument
as Johnson, whilst largely resentful, faced a large backbench
opposition when 55 MPs voted against new measures for
Covid 19. These measures were still passed, however, it
illustrates Johnson necessarily dominating Parliament as he
does not completely control even his own party. It is also
important to note large majorities do not guarantee success as
is illustrated by the fact Thatcher, with a majority of 144, had
her Shops Bill of 1986 defeated.
It could be said the coalition and minority governments are
clear evidence that the government had reduced control over
parliament. During the coalition Cameron suffered record
breaking numbers of backbench rebellions and May suffered
