1. Governing the UK Changing the Constitution

2. How has the British Constitution be developed under Labour since 1997? Blair’s constitutional reforms Blair’s constitutional reforms Labour has been more interested in changing the constitution 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? 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 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 Scottish and Welsh assemblies in 1999 Northern Ireland assembly as part of larger Good Friday Agreement 1998 Northern Ireland assembly as part of larger Good Friday Agreement 1998 Greater London Authority with Mayor and Assembly 2000 Greater London Authority with Mayor and Assembly 2000 Referendums for each body Referendums for each body PR electoral systems used for each body PR electoral systems used for each body Human Rights Act 1998 Human Rights Act 1998 Stage One reform of Lords 2000 – removal of all apart from 92 hereditary peers 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 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) 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. 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 For: For: Member Scottish Parliament – Abraham Member Scottish Parliament – Abraham M Welsh Assembly – Agrawal M Welsh Assembly – Agrawal Labour spokesman – Brall Labour spokesman – Brall Elected Lord – Cairns Elected Lord – Cairns Labour Mayor of London – Caskey Labour Mayor of London – Caskey Human Rights Barrister – Davies Human Rights Barrister – Davies Northern Irish Member – Devji Northern Irish Member – Devji Liberal Democrat Supporter – Foux Liberal Democrat Supporter – Foux Young Labour voter – Leather Young Labour voter – Leather Labour strategist - Levy Labour strategist - Levy Against: Conservative Shadow PM – Loomes Former Lord – Malik Conservative supporter – McGrath Law Lord – Meredith Conservative Member of European Parliament – Rughani QUANGO Director – Saunders Conservative Donor – Shippey Political Historian – Siskin Older Voter – Tyerman Conservative Strategist - Veale

6. Objective Come up with four arguments backed up by evidence which supports your claim 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 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? Can you think of any wider issues that has an impact on Labour reforms? What conclusions can you draw from your debate? 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? Why were implemented? What have been the strengths? What have been the strengths? What are the criticisms? What are the criticisms? How has pressure for reform changed recently? How has pressure for reform changed recently? Has recent constitutional reform removed the need for a codified constitution? Has recent constitutional reform removed the need for a codified constitution?