Opposition is resistance or dissent against a prevailing idea, policy, or action. It can be a powerful tool for social and political movements, particularly those seeking rights, justice, or representation. The famous phrase ‘no taxation without representation’ encapsulated the opposition of American colonists to British rule, helping lay the foundation for independence.
In countries with parliamentary systems, the term opposition can refer to all parties not in government or it can be restricted to the official opposition, known as His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition. The latter is a formal role with responsibilities and functions that differ from those of the government, but which is essentially an alternative government in waiting.
The opposition fulfils a range of scrutiny functions in parliament, notably by asking questions at Prime Minister’s Questions and by sitting on select committees, which scrutinise individual departments or specific issues. Opposition members are also expected to challenge the government in the media and at public events.
Some legislatures offer opposition parties particular powers, such as the right to a ‘humble address’ to demand papers from the government. The shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer tabled such an address in 2017, prompting the government to release information on the impact of leaving the EU.
The leader of the official opposition is often consulted by the government and other key cabinet members on important national issues. For example, when prime minister Boris Johnson announced a three-tier lockdown system during the pandemic of 2020-2021, Labour leader Keir Starmer was contacted by the government to ensure he was kept informed. This is in line with press rules on balance and impartiality, whereby the leader of the official opposition has a right to be briefed before certain key announcements.