There was an important statement made in both the Lords and Commons about constitutional reform on Tuesday 25th March which received far less coverage in the media than it should have done. The link here is to the statement in the Commons which is then repeated word for word in the Lords. http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmhansrd/cm080325/debtext/80325-0003.htm#0803254000001 The statement covers a very wide range of issues from new powers for Parliament to refuse to ratify international treaties, war powers, flag flying, demonstrations outside Parliament and many others. It will have to go through both Houses as a Bill and therefore will, no doubt, be amended.
Those interested in Parliamentary reform and increasing the power of Parliament at the expenses of the executive really should take a look at this.
I can’t see the detail on ‘war powers’ – will this allow Minister’s to over-ride the will of Parliament under ’emergency powers’.
I particularly like this sentence :-
“In particular, the Attorney-General will cease to have any power to give directions to prosecutors in individual cases, save in certain exceptional cases which give rise to issues of national security.”
One could add, within brackets, “[which might also embarrass British Aerospace executives..or members of the Saudi Royal Family..]” Hmmm..
I’ve been highly suspicious of anything the government has called ‘reform’ of the constitution and usually substitute it for ‘wrecking’ but most of what they propose regarding treaties and war powers I can stomach, though I am fearful they will take advantage of such a change to in fact narrow the definition of what these mean. The beauty of the present state of affairs is the Commons can stop anything it wishes by withholding supply or bringing the government down, but that in itself is likely an overly powerful tool. But I’m certain any government facing a war declaration or treaty ratification vote will make it a matter of confidence in the ministry anyway. So we’d be back to square one.
I remain wholly oppose to any attempts to make the House of Lords elected. It would in fact weaken democracy.
Adrian Kidney said:
“I remain wholly oppose to any attempts to make the House of Lords elected. It would in fact weaken democracy.”
I entirely agree with this view.
The weakness comes from enticements that have to be offered in order to be elected. The lords’ as a body acts for the general greater good and out of good conscience without having to resort to bribery and agenda.