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Party discipline is the mechanism through which political parties maintain unity and cohesion in Parliament. The whip system ensures that MPs vote according to the party line, enabling governments to pass legislation and maintain power. However, party discipline also raises questions about the independence of MPs and the effectiveness of parliamentary scrutiny. This lesson examines how party discipline works, its strengths and weaknesses, and the growing significance of backbench rebellions.
Each major party appoints a team of Whips — MPs whose job is to ensure that their party's MPs attend debates, vote as instructed, and maintain party discipline. The Chief Whip is the most senior, coordinating the whipping operation and acting as a channel between the leadership and backbenchers.
The term "whip" also refers to the weekly circular sent to MPs outlining the party's expectations for the coming week's business:
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