Our committee gives backbenchers the opportunity to vote on issues their parties might overlook
2 min read
When the Backbench Business Committee was established in 2010, it was the first business committee of any kind in the House of Commons. Nearly 15 years later, the committee has played a vital role in the functioning of our parliamentary democracy.
The committee’s primary function is simple: to allocate time on the parliamentary agenda for debates chosen by backbench MPs. We can consider any subject for any debate, including national and local campaigns, reports by select committees, and topics that resonate deeply with constituents.
Every Tuesday afternoon we meet, and colleagues are invited to pitch their applications for debates. We hear a diverse range of proposals that reflect the genuine concerns of backbenchers and all with necessary cross-party support. This independence from government and party priorities underscores the very purpose of the committee: to give backbenchers the opportunity to debate and vote on issues that might otherwise be overlooked by their parties.
In September 2024, I was honoured to be elected unopposed as Chair of the Backbench Business Committee, having served as a member since 2012. Since I joined, the committee has continued to schedule debates on issues of profound national significance, such as the contaminated blood scandal. We have also supported an annual calendar of important and popular debates, including those marking International Women’s Day, Holocaust Memorial Day, various history month debates, and the Sir David Amess Memorial Debate.
Looking ahead, one of my key priorities over the next year will be to actively encourage more applications to the committee, especially from newly elected Members. This will help ensure that the time allocated for backbench business is fully utilised with a diverse range of debates and focused on effectively scrutinising the work of the Government. Another goal for this year is to facilitate more debates on complex and contentious issues where there are differing views, rather than on subjects where there is broad agreement between Members. This in turn will hopefully encourage higher levels of participation and engagement across the House.
This June will mark 15 years since the House of Commons agreed motions to establish the Backbench Business Committee. With such a milestone it’s only normal to reflect on its achievements. What I think is clear is that the committee has made a positive difference to the work of the House. It has provided backbenchers opportunities to discuss a range of topics important to them and their constituents, benefiting Parliament’s reputation and the Government’s decision making.
