Please note that this series was filmed between 2013 - 2015 and some of the political figures shown no longer hold their positions.
The whips are a group of MPs or Members of the House of Lords who are in charge of party discipline. It is their job to make sure MPs on their side vote with the party line.
In this short film - from the BBC series Exploring the House of Commons, filmed during the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government - whips from three political parties tell us about their role and how it has changed over the years.
Teacher Notes
GCSE or Scottish National 5:
This short film could be used to stimulate a classroom discussion on the positive and negative impact of the whips.
Students could debate whether the loosening of the whip's control is a positive development for the House of Commons.
A level or Scottish Higher:
Students could make a list of the ways whips try and control MPs, and a list of the reasons why the job of the whip is getting more difficult.
Students might consider why the House of Commons needs whips and consider the positive and negative impacts they have.
Curriculum Notes
This short film will be relevant for teaching classes about British Politics. It will be suitable for GCSE or A Level, and Scottish National 4/5 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.
Why do MPs rebel? video
The behind the scenes story of one of the most contentious nights in recent House of Commons history: the vote on the European Arrest Warrant.
