1. Changing the Constitution
Governing the UK
Changing the Constitution

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. “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

6. 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?

7. 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?