What is the role of Cabinet?

It formalises and legitimises official government policies; this is because all legislation needs the cabinet’s stamp of approval in order for it to be generally recognised. Although cabinet carries out this function, it does not make the majorities of the policies that are passed through the Cabinet.
Decisions on most issues are taken in cabinet committees, bilateral meetings or in correspondence between depts.
Cabinet acts as clearing house for policy, ratifying decisions taken elsewhere.
Fewer meetings now – many complained that Blair didn’t consult the cabinet sufficiently but instead used bilateral meetings with ministers.

Considers major issues but role is largely advisory.
Boris Johnson called an emergency cabinet meeting in 2019 amid speculation that he was about to declare a general election.
He held a digital cabinet meeting in April 2020 to discuss COVID-19.

It discusses key issues that have emerged such as solving the banking crisis 2007-09, or when deciding to bid for the 2012 Olympics.
It can sometimes deal with disputes between the different government departments and ministers.