constitutional reforms since 2010

Question 1

Constitutional reforms since 2010

Answer 1

-More reforms but more minor
-Pace of reforms have been slower

Question 2

Fixed Term Parliament Act 2011

Answer 2

• Established a pattern of fixed general elections every 5 years starting in 2015
  -Removed the PM’s ability to call an election at an advantageous time: 2021, Boris Johnson’s govt planned to replace the Act
  -Parl was fixed for 5 years unless they had the support 2/3 majority of the Commons

Question 3

Significance of Fixed term parliament act

Answer 3

-Amended prerogative power of PM + gave it to parl
-Extending time between elections=less democratic
-In practice, PM’s are able to ignore it e.g. May 2017 + Johnson 2019
-Opposition would vote as it could give them a chance to get into power

Question 4

Successes of the FTPA

Answer 4

-Stability- helped keep the coalition together
-Stopped Johnson from calling an election in sept/oct 2019, could’ve led to No Deal on Oct 31

Question 5

Is further changed needed for the FTPA?

Answer 5

-Repealed in 2022
-Liberals would argue its preferable to keep power with parl- even if they’re usually likely to support it
-Zombie parliament- having to wait a while during the 5 years, not being able to get much done

Question 6

Recall of MPs act 2015

Answer 6

-If an MP is convicted of a criminal offence or produces false expenses, claims or is suspended from HoC, constituents can start a recall petition to force a by-election e.g. Fiona Onasayna lost her seat after the speaker agreed to trigger a recall petition in Mar 2018, following the rejection of her appeal against her conviction of perverting the court of justice
-Peter Bone removed by a recall petition over bullying + sexual misconduct claims

Question 7

Significance of RoMPA

Answer 7

-Minimal
-Holds MPs to account

Question 8

is further reform necessary?

Answer 8

-No as there’s a good balance, don’t want continuous by-elections
-Need MPs to make unpopular decisions

Question 9

Devolution to Scotland

Answer 9

Scot Act 2016:
-Transferred full control over income tax over to the Scottish parliament + additional powers over welfare
-Made powers of Scot parl a permanent part of the UK constitution-> could NOT be reduced w/o approval from a referendum

Question 10

Strengths of devolution to scotland

Answer 10

-Fulfilled Cameron’s promises on increased powers to Scotland during 2014 Scottish Independence referendum

Question 11

Weaknesses of devolution to Scotland

Answer 11

-Suggests a lack of clarity over the relationship between Westminster + devolved bodies after the UK govt blocked the Scottish Gender Recognition Reform bill in 2023

Question 12

Devolution to Wales

Answer 12

Wales Act 2017:
-Gave Senedd power to increase/decrease income tax by 10%
-Process of upgrading Welsh Assembly to Parliament began

Question 13

Strengths of devolution to Wales

Answer 13

-Polls suggested that the Senedd = more popular among Welsh voters since it gained power

Question 14

Weaknesses of devolution to Wales

Answer 14

-Act granted significant powers to the Senedd w/o the consent from the Welsh people