How and to what extent can MPs and peers control the power of Government?

How and to what extent can MPs and peers control the power of Government?

1. Parliament's Control

   • it is sovereign so it can veto legislation
   • HOC can remove a government with a vote of no confidence
   • Parliament can amend or remove offending clauses in legislation
   • Government cannot hope to override significant parliamentary opposition to a proposal
   • HOL remains independent. can defy the will of government
   • MPs and peers can call government into account pubically
   • Powerful departmental select committees can be critical of government

2. Examples of Parliament defying the will of Government

   • 1979 vote of no confidence
   • 1986 Shops Bill
   • 1994 VAT rise defeated
   • 2005 Detention of terrorist suspects
   • 2008 Detention of terrorist suspects
   • 2011 Fixed Term parliament Bill defeated