This source is relevant to the proposed essay because it will allow us to provide comprehensive definitions of the Cabinet and Prime Minister’s roles and responsibilities within Parliament and to the electorate. In doing this it will allow us to examine the essay question in greater detail and so come up with a more thorough answer.
Web-based Source
www.fda.org.uk/Resource.phx/pubman/templates/18.htx?id=99 Last access: 26/10/05
Article written: May 2005
This source was published just days after Labour won a third term in Government and outlines John Baume’s (general secretary of FDA) opening of the union’s annual delegate conference. It is clear from the internet article that Baume is of the opinion that we are not operating under a Cabinet government; in fact the article is entitled ‘FDA calls for Cabinet government over ‘sofa government’.’ Baume believes the Government should “learn from their mistakes and take a more consultative approach.” The reduced majority of the Government is also discussed and is addressed as being a reason for the roles of Parliament and Select Committees to be reasserted. Baume advocates more coherent debate as well as a more focused opposition, and gives the example of Lord Butler’s report as a critique of the way the proper structure of a good ‘Cabinet government’ has been neglected over recent years.
This source is relevant to the proposed essay title because it provides a view of whether or not Cabinet government exists in the UK, as well as giving a reference to find more helpful information (Lord Butler’s report). It also offers solutions to problems which may exist and cause Cabinet government to be ignored. This source goes some way to providing us with a balanced view of the argument.
Newspaper Source
Jones, George: Political Editor, The Daily Telegraph, Issue No. 46,705
Saturday 6th August 2005, Front page.
Surprisingly for a right-wing, Conservative newspaper, this source is actually in support of Tony Blair and his “curb on human rights in the ‘war on terror’.” The article outlines how Tony Blair and his Cabinet plan to regain the right of the elected Government to deport any foreigners believed to pose a threat to national security. It also provides the reader with information on the current European Union laws and regulations regarding the deportation of people to countries where they may face torture or ill-treatment on their return. The source refers to the July 7th tube and bus bombings, and stresses the determination of the Cabinet to put an end to terrorism. In the centre of the article there is a subtext entitled ‘How He’ll Do It.’ This provides seventeen measures which Tony Blair is likely to enforce in the war on terror. Cabinet ministers are features strongly in both the fabrication and implementation of these measures.
This source is relevant because it provides a current example of a Cabinet government in action. It can give us an insight in to the notion that perhaps we are in fact operating under a Cabinet government. It gives sufficient evidence to support this view.
Academic Journal Source
Dalyell, Tim: Reflections on Leaving Parliament
The Political Quarterly, Vol. 76, No. 3, July-Sept. 2005, Blackwell Publishing
As a long standing intelligence on political affairs, Father of the House and former Select Committee member, Tim Dalyell was asked by The Political Quarterly to write an article on the changes in Parliament over the last forty years. It certainly makes for interesting reading. In the article Dalyell discusses the merits of the type of government which was in force back in the 30’s and 40’s. Women were not privvied to just because they were women and some formidable Tory matrons such as Dame Edith Pitt, Dame Patricia Hornsby-Smith and Colonel Miss Betty Harvie-Anderson, were even offended if they were not classed among the boys. He suggests that the period between 1962 and October 1964 was the ‘fag-end’ of a regime which is scarcely recognisable today and that since October 1964, the changes in the running of Parliament and the type of government enforced has been huge. Dalyell stresses that accountability of ministers as we know it today was in its infancy back then and, while ministers were given a fairly free rein, they were kept in check by bodies such as the civil service and Select Committees. This meant that the idea of Cabinet government was in full force.
This source is relevant to the proposed essay title because it gives historical and first hand evidence to add to the argument to suggest that Cabinet government does not exist in Britain. By providing some historical basis for the argument, it becomes further legitimised and gives more authority to what is being said. It also suggests an outlet for further information in the form of the Hansard Reports.
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