Changing the Constitution

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Presentation transcript:

Changing the Constitution Governing the UK Changing the Constitution

How has the British Constitution be developed under Labour since 1997? Blair’s constitutional reforms Labour has been more interested in changing the constitution They were in opposition for 18years and had to think like a “third” party – what could they gain? Many believed they would only come to power with a link to the Liberals so they showed greater sympathy for constitutional reform

Labour’s promises and results Scottish and Welsh assemblies in 1999 Northern Ireland assembly as part of larger Good Friday Agreement 1998 Greater London Authority with Mayor and Assembly 2000 Referendums for each body PR electoral systems used for each body Human Rights Act 1998 Stage One reform of Lords 2000 – removal of all apart from 92 hereditary peers

Criticisms of reforms Enthusiasm for more reform has faded: Only reform of Judiciary a keen part of second Blair Government – not much else Reforms were piecemeal: there was no blueprint or programme. Individual solutions to greater problems. (links between devolution and Lords reforms were not sufficiently discussed) The reforms reshaped but didn’t address deeper problems: best example is the idea of elective dictatorship, there was no talk of codified constitution, or an entrenched Bill of Rights.

“Were the Labour reforms effective and necessary” debate Member Scottish Parliament – Hartropp M Welsh Assembly – Labour spokesman – Elected Lord – Womack Labour Mayor of London – Human Rights Barrister – Nurmohamed Northern Irish Member – Liberal Democrat Supporter – Young Labour voter – Timmis Labour strategist - Against: Conservative Shadow PM – Shearring Former Lord – Conservative supporter – Papworth Law Lord – Jones Conservative Member of European Parliament – Slomka QUANGO Director – Patel Conservative Donor – Political Historian – Older Voter – Conservative Strategist - Morrison

Objective Come up with four arguments backed up by evidence which supports your claim You will be going head to head so make sure your arguments are water tight Can you think of any wider issues that has an impact on Labour reforms? What conclusions can you draw from your debate?

Discuss the importance of the constitutional changes that have occurred in the UK since 1997 Why were implemented? What have been the strengths? What are the criticisms? How has pressure for reform changed recently? Has recent constitutional reform removed the need for a codified constitution?