“Opposition must have it’s say, the Government will have it’s way.”
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Four types of Opposition:
- HM Official Opposition
- Other opposition parties, e.g. Lib Dems and natinoalist parties
- Intra-party: opponents within the governing party
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Inter-party: coalition governments in 2010 and 2015, disagreements between different parties in government
- e.g. Con dropped proposals to lower inheritance tax after Lib opposition
- Offer scrutiny and potentially a check on the government
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The Official Opposition has to portray themselves as a “government-in-waiting”
- Shadow cabinet
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Leader of Official Opposition has special privilege in debates and Commons business
- Opening question at PMQs + five more
- Only MP allowed to respond to the PM with further questions
- Receive an additional salary along with three opposition whips
- Have first right of reply to major statements by the PM
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20 opposition days set aside for opposition parties choose topic for debate
- 17 for OO
- rest to 2nd larges party
- e.g. Jan 2024, Lab brought a motion over creating a national register for children not in school