This series was filmed in 2013 - 2015 and some of the political figures shown no longer hold their positions.
Learn more about why MPs rebel against their own party.
We look at the rebellion over the European Arrest Warrant in November 2014. It led to one of the most contentious nights in the House of Commons in recent years.
The European Arrest Warrant is a piece of EU law that allows the rapid extradition of suspects between EU member states, but some MPs worry that it could be used against British citizens for even minor offences.
The Prime Minister at the time, David Cameron, promised a debate on the European Arrest Warrant in the House of Commons, but when the day came, it was not mentioned in the order of business.
Eurosceptic Conservative MPs and the Labour Party were outraged and united against the Government. They tried to force a vote for the whole debate to be abandoned.
We meet those on the inside, including the prominent Conservative Eurosceptic Jacob Rees-Mogg. We also see how the opposition whips unite with Government rebels to cause a rebellion.
This short film is from the BBC series, Exploring the House of Commons. This series goes behind the scenes of the House of Commons to explain some of the processes that drive British politics.
Teacher Notes
GCSE or Scottish National 5:
This short film could be used to stimulate a discussion in your classroom on the merits of EU membership.
Pupils could debate the pros and cons of being in the European Union.
Pupils could also consider the significance of rebellions by MPs against their party, and create a list of reasons why an MP might rebel.
A level or Scottish Higher:
This could be used as an introduction to coalition government or how voting works in the House of Commons.
Pupils could make a list of the reasons why an MP might rebel against their party and consider the implications for the Government and opposition parties.
Pupils could consider whether coalition makes Parliament more important and to what extent this is a good thing.
Curriculum Notes
This short film will be relevant for teaching classes about Citizenship. It will be suitable for GCSE or A Level, and Scottish National 5 or Higher.
More from Exploring the House of Commons
How does an MP change the law? video
We meet Sarah Champion MP to find out how an MP can influence legislation.
How do MPs vote in the House of Commons? video
We find out how MPs vote in the House of Commons and what pressures they must balance when voting.
What is a Private Members' Bill? video
Learn more about Private Members’ Bills, a bill introduced by an MP who isn’t a minister.
What is Prime Minister's Questions? video
Go behind the scenes to see how Prime Minister’s Questions really works.
Changing Britain's Constitution. video
Learn how the House of Commons deals with challenges to Britain’s uncodified constitution.
Public perceptions of British politicians. video
What do the public think about politicians? Members of Parliament reflect on their public image.
What is a whip and is their power declining? video
Meet the whips, who are in charge of party discipline. How is their role changing?
