Please enable JavaScript.
Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents.
Evaluate how far the concept of ministerial responsibility remains an…
Evaluate how far the concept of ministerial responsibility remains an important feature in UK Gov
Introduction
fundamental constitutional principle in Westminster parliamentary system - formalised by Tony Blair in 1997
ministers responsible for the conduct of their ministry and government as a whole
ensures accountability of gov to legislation
not only accountable for their own actions, but those of their department
For
Government remains in office only so long as it retains the confidence of parliament and that all ministers stand/fall with that Gov
must support government policies, but also seek the dissolution of gov if vote of no confidence
2010 Coalition - Tory set out 4 issues on which Lib Dem ministers would not be bound by collective responsibility
Construction of new nuclear power stations
Tax allowances for married couples
higher Education funding
Making the case against renewing Trident
Also gave Lib Dems freedom to campaign in favour of introducing the AV voting system to Westminster in 2011
Against
Collective ministerial responsibility entails all ministers presenting a united front in the interest of Gov unity.
members of cabinet must publicly support all government decisions made in cabinet even if they do not agree.
where ministers cannot reconcile their personal beliefs with cabinet decision, they are expected to resign e.g. Robin Cook and invasion of Iraq 2003.
Whilst opinions may be debated freely in private, internal processes are not disclosed and must remain confidential.
Thatcher and Blair often ignored their cabinets - Mo Mowlam and Clare Short often complained that Blair did not sufficiently consult cabinet before making executive decisions.
Collective Responsibility
discussions in government should be kept secret - differences of opinion within the cabinet are thus not revealed.
binding decisions means that regardless of whom opposed it or was not involved in the decision-making process, still becomes binding on the cabinet.
entire government should resign if defeated on a vote of confidence whilst sitting in parliament e.g. Labour gov, James Callaghan in 1979.
Individual Responsibility
responsible to parliament for their own conduct and general conduct of their department.
ministers may leak information on cabinet discussions to the press - 1990s press published leaked details of divisions on Europe in Major's cabinet.
Clare Short stayed in Blair's for 2 months after publicly expressing concerns about the 2003 Iraq invasion before resigning.