Backbench Business Committee debates offer MPs a vital route to raise issues on behalf of their constituents, and since its establishment the Committee has ensured that backbench voices are heard regularly.

The Petitions Committee has facilitated many debates on e-petitions started by members of the public, ensuring that issues with significant public support are brought before the House. Many of these debates have helped raise the profile of important issues and, in some cases, led to tangible action being taken.

The Modernisation Committee’s inquiry will look at whether the current allocation of time for Petitions and Backbench Business debates is appropriate and effective. It will also explore other issues such as whether some e-petitions debates should take place in the Chamber on a more regular basis.

MPs on the Committee will also explore the issues highlighted in the Backbench Business Committee’s 15 anniversary report, and how the House can continue to support and strengthen the Committee’s work.

Terms of Reference

The Backbench Business Committee has 35 days allotted in each session for proceedings in the Chamber/Westminster Hall on backbench business, of which at least 27 should be in the Chamber. More information can be found on their website. The Petitions Committee can schedule a petition or petitions for debate in Westminster Hall on a Monday from 4.30pm, for up to three hours. More information is available here.

We will be exploring the following questions as part of our inquiry:

        1. Is the current allocation of time for Petitions and Backbench Business debates appropriate and effective?

• What impact, if any, does the timing and scheduling of debates have on attendance?

  2. Are the 35 days allocated to the Backbench Business Committee appropriate in the context of other demands on the House’s time?

        3. Is the current allocation of Backbench Business debates between the Chamber (27 days) and Westminster Hall          (8 days) correct?

        4. Are there any improvements that could be made to the Backbench Business Committee’s process to agree                applications for backbench business debates (including ensuring debates are popular amongst members and on            topical subjects)?

        5. Are the existing mechanisms available for the Petitions Committee to hold debates in the Chamber (to apply              via Backbench Business Committee, or to be allocated time by the Government) sufficient or should the Petitions          Committee have guaranteed time in the Chamber?