1. UK Constitution
To Reform or Not?

2. Objectives
Why have several countries revised or rewritten their constitutions?
Why did many academics and commentators think that the Constitution should be reformed?
What measures of reform have the Labour Government introduced?

3. Why Change? Solemn and binding documents that are to meant to last
Yet many undergo fundamental change – Swiss example
Purpose often to reinvigorate a fresh start or simply bring formal documents up to date

4. The Case for Reform…
Flexibility of constitution whilst in past had been an asset had now become outdated
Political system failing in producing effective legislation
Rise of nationalism
Economics
General political discontent
The emergence of the European Union and signing up to its various directives (Human Rights Act etc) meant that the traditional doctrine of Parliamentary Sovereignty was under threat
Government becoming too centralised
Rise of Quangos
Personal style of ruling
Erosion of cabinet, civil service power and citizens rights

5. For and Against
Charter 88 (Written Con / democratic second chamber / independent judiciary)
Dominance of Conservative Rule (issues of centralisation / accountability / human rights)
Norton – ‘Strengthen, not destroy’
Conservatives saw little need or scope to change
Feared the ‘radical changes’ that might ‘endanger whole constitutional balance’
No need to tamper with something that has grown well and organically for centuries

6. Government Action since 1997
Removal of Hereditary Peers
Devolution
Human Rights Act
Freedom of Information
Greater London Assembly and Mayor
PR for elections to devolved bodies in UK
Modernisation of the House of Commons
Constitutional Reform Act (2005)
Changes in relations between the executive and the Judiciary - Creation of New Supreme Court