What are Early Day Motions and how effective are they at allowing the Commons to scrutinise the actions of the Executive?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Answer is Early Day Motions (EDMs) are a way for Members of Parliament (MPs) to draw attention to specific issues or events. They are essentially formal motions submitted for debate in the House of Commons, but in reality, they are rarely debated. Instead, they are used to publicize the views of individual MPs or to draw attention to specific events or campaigns.

In terms of allowing the Commons to scrutinize the actions of the Executive, EDMs can be somewhat effective. They provide a platform for MPs to raise concerns and highlight issues that may not otherwise receive attention. This can put pressure on the government to address these issues or provide explanations for their actions. However, EDMs are non-binding and do not have any direct impact on government policy or decision-making. As a result, their effectiveness in holding the Executive to account is limited.

Overall, while EDMs can be a useful tool for raising awareness and generating debate, they are not a particularly effective means of scrutinizing the actions of the Executive. More impactful methods of scrutiny include parliamentary questions, select committee inquiries, and debates on substantive motions.

What Are Early Day Motions and How Effective Are They