Parliamentary priviledge (3) What does it refer to What does it mean for MPs What tends to be the case

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There are four content areas in UK Politics:
1. Democracy and participation
2. Political parties
3. Electoral systems
4. Voting behaviour and the media.

1. Parliamentary priviledge (3) What does it refer to What does it mean for MPs What tends to be the case

1. Majorities - The size of the PMs majority seems crucial, Blair and Thatcher both benefited from large majorities - This helps in 2 ways: -> it is easier to pass legislation -> they have a stronger mandate and therefore more democratic legitimacy 2. Events - Events are crucial, however favourable or unfavourable the political circumstances may be events can make or break a PM 3. Unification - PMs need to head a unified party if they are to be truly dominant, David Cameron is a good example of a leader who was limited by splits in his party 4. Limits - The lesson of the premierships of both Thatcher and Blair is that PMs who seek to stretch their power too far can expect to be reined in
Refers to the special protection of MPs and peers when they are engaged in parliamentary business - MPs cannot be prosecuted or sued for slander due to the actions taken within the Palace of Westminster -> this means complete freedom of speech for MPs -> vital principle as it means members can call the government to account more effectively; they do not feel constrained - Tends to be the case that the houses also regulate the behaviour of the members -> if they abuse their position or use provocative language, they may face consequences dealt by party leaders or the speakers -> eg 2009 expenses scandal not dealt with criminal law but instead party leaders - The conduct of members is now regulated by the parliamentary commissioner for standards -> conduct is also regulated by committees and the speakers of both houses
The south of England is solidy Conservative, 54% voted Conservative in 2017 - The Conservatives are also fairly dominant in the midlands, though slightly less so - Labour leads the North but not decisively -> 53% in 2017 - Scotland is relatively evenly split between SNP, Labour and the Conservatives after 2017 -> were dominated by SNP before - LDs have little support outside of London and the south of England - Labour had fairly strong precense in Wales with 49% of vote in 2017
Tends to be no fundamental, ideological differences between the parties -> they may disagree over policy details but tend to agree over the goals of policy 1950s to 1970s - In the 40s the Labour government under Clement Attlee had undertaken a major programme of reform in the UK - The welfare state / NHS were created and major industries were nationalised (coal, rail, steel) - This presented a problem for Conservatives when they gained power in 1951 - They had to decide whether to keep such elements or dismantle them as they had initially opposed them - Measures were popular and no one wanted to receed back into the war time depression - So the party kept the reform and even built upon them (Labour also had elected a moderate leader) - Consensus which lasted until 1970s

Parliamentary priviledge (3) What does it refer to What does it mean for MPs What tends to be the case

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Parliamentary priviledge (3) What does it refer to What does it mean for MPs What tends to be the case

❤ If you liked Fatskills, consider supporting us by checking out The Life Manuals You Never Got.

About | Explore | User Guide | Topics | Subjects | Doubt Solver | Career Aptitude Test | Answers | Free Tools | What Should We Know? Privacy | Terms |

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All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks and brands does not imply endorsement.

About | Explore | User Guide | Topics | Subjects | Doubt Solver | Career Aptitude Test | Answers | Free Tools | What Should We Know?
Privacy | Terms |

Without work one finishes nothing. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
© 2026 Fatskills.com