Please explain, and answers would be full appreciated!
2007-10-29 12:28:29 · 7 answers · asked by Mia xoxo 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
Yes they are, since they, by there very numbers can bring down the government in power by a No Confidence vote, forcing the Prime Minister to either resign, or call for new elections.
They also vote on legislation. They are the power behind the Throne so to speak.
2007-10-29 12:36:14 · answer #1 · answered by Songbyrd JPA ✡ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The majority of MPs are backbenchers. They can put pressure on their own party (eg the Conservative 1922 Committee, representing bacbenchers to the leadership)
Backbenchers do not always toe the party line, often voting against the whip (Labour, Iraq War - the Tories got the Bill passed, also 90 day detention of terror suspects, Blair's first defeat, despite a 170 Commons majority. Also John Major, his own Budget was once defeated, and he had a 21 majority)
Backbenchers can make the leadership think again.
2007-10-29 19:35:21 · answer #2 · answered by Phil McCracken 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, all members are important because they are the government. Backbenchers are like the tools n the trunk of your car, they may not help you drive, but if you break down and need to make some changes to the car they provide the ability to do that, also you might have heard two brains are better than one, many backbenchers actually do some work in government, some don't do any and I think we should be able to fire them, and their contribution helps solve problems and make decisions
2007-10-29 19:38:03 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Not as significant as they once were. Before we all caught TB, backbenchers were allowed to express their views. that's why they were on the back benches rather than the front benches. However, I am concerned that in the past decade, the government has sought to diminish the role of backbenchers. It remains to be seen if Gordon Brown can make good on his promise to shift power from the government of the day. I hope he comes up with a workable plan and I hope he puts it into place.
2007-10-29 19:38:06 · answer #4 · answered by skip 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It always looks good on camera if parliament has a full house.
2007-10-30 04:26:46 · answer #5 · answered by Richard S 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Who else would take the p!ss out of those on the front benches,,especially that tosser Cameron
2007-10-30 09:40:33 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes otherwise they would have to stand up all the time.
2007-10-29 19:33:08 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋