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<p>The second largest opposition party is neither formally defined nor given specific
speaking rights by the Standing Orders of the House or the Companion to the Standing
Orders. The Companion to Standing Orders does, however, set out several areas where
the “opposition front benches” have the right to speak for longer than backbenchers
or have rights to speak at specific points in proceedings.<br><br>Of the political
parties represented in the House, only the Official Opposition and the Liberal Democrat
group operate frontbenches of a size that permits them to shadow each Government department.
It is for that reason that the definition of “opposition frontbenches” that applied
in practice before the 2010 Parliament has been reverted to in this Parliament. <br><br>It
remains open to any member who wishes to propose a change to current arrangements
to make representations to me and/or make a submission to the Procedure Committee.</p>
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