Politics class: UK MPs back bill to legalise assisted dying

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Specification:

• Edexcel: Component 2.3: The legislative process

• AQA:  Component 3.1.1.2: The structure and role of Parliament: parliamentary debate and the legislative process

Background: what you need to know

This article reports on the passing of Kim Leadbeater MP’s private member’s bill to legalise assisted dying. This is a complex and emotive issue which does not fit neatly into party political lines. Consequently, MPs were allowed to follow their own consciences when they voted, rather than being subject to pressure from party whips.

Only a small number of private members’ bills become law each year. Fridays are allocated for debating them, when it is hard to get many MPs to attend — the assisted dying bill is an important exception. In order to pass, the government must find the time for the bill to complete all the stages of the legislative process.

Click the link below to read the article and then answer the questions:

UK MPs back bill to legalise assisted dying

Question in the style of AQA Politics Paper 2

• ‘Backbench MPs have little influence within the UK Parliament.’ Analyse and evaluate this statement. In your answer you should draw on material from across the whole range of your course of study in Politics. [25 marks]

Question in the style of Edexcel Politics Paper 2

• Evaluate the view that backbench MPs are ineffective in performing their various functions within Parliament. 

  In your answer you should draw on relevant knowledge and understanding of the study of Component 1: UK politics and core political ideas.  You must consider this view and the alternative to this view in a balanced way. [30 marks] 

  TIP: In addition to the legislative function, you should also consider how well MPs represent those who elect them, and assess their effectiveness in holding the executive to account. For example, you could look back to this article on parliamentary reaction to the Starmer government’s proposal to cut the winter fuel allowance for many pensioners: Politics class: Keir Starmer’s win on winter fuel cut may prove temporary reprieve

Graham Goodlad, Portsmouth High School