UK Constitution

Question 1

Examples of how constitution has evolved

Answer 1

Gun control - firearms act 1997
Same sex marriage 2013
Coronvirus act 2020 - public health and economic policies implemented without holding votes in commons or lords

Question 2

Example of constitution not applied consistently
Foreign intervention

Answer 2

Deploying troops overseas is PM prerogative power
Blair held a vote in commons before invading Iraq
Cameron held votes before military action in Libya and Syria
Many believed it to be a convention
However May ordered air strikes in Syria without Parliamentary vote

Question 3

Example of constitution not applied consistently
Devolution

Answer 3

Sewell convention states parliament should not legislate on devolved responsibilities like healthcare and education
But in the UK Internal Market Act 2020 it included several UK wide provisions that directly affected devolved policy areas like agriculture

Question 4

Example of constitution not applied consistently
Protests

Answer 4

Freedom of assembly is guaranteed under HRA
Challenged by Public Order Act 2023 allowed police to arrest protesters on suspicion they might cause too much disruption