1.  starter activity
What do we mean by parliamentary sovereignty? What are the constraints on parliamentary sovereignty?

2. Sovereignty Ultimate political authority
Parliament (HoC & HoL) has unlimited authority and is supreme-law-making body in UK
Only Parl. can make and amend laws
No other institution can override its decisions
Parliament can’t bind successors

3. Constraints Executive EU membership
International organisations, e.g. IMF, NATO
Devolved assemblies
Media
Electorate
Pressure groups & TUs

4. What are the limits on parliamentary sovereignty?
 Aims
Define what is meant by ‘sovereignty’
Examine challenges to Parliamentary sovereignty

5. How could fishing be a challenge to parliamentary sovereignty?

6.  Your task
Listen to the story of a Spanish fishing company called ‘Factortame’ It is important because it reveals much about the way Parliamentary sovereignty has been challenged recently.
At each stage in the story decide whether UK sovereignty is challenged or upheld and move to an appropriate side of the class.

7. Factortame case
All UK registered vessels have the right to fish in UK waters (Merchant Shipping Act, 1988)
Spanish fishing company ‘Factortame’ claimed right to fish in UK in British-registered vessels
High Court ‘disapplied’ relevant section of MSA to allow this loophole
Court of Appeal & HoL overturned decision – courts cannot suspend acts of Parliament
European Court of Justice ruled national courts could disapply legislation which conflicted with EU law
HoL ruled in favour of ‘Factortame’

8. 
What does the Factortame case tell us about parliamentary sovereignty?