UK's constitution requires major change?

Question 1

Flexibility of the Uncodified Constitution

Answer 1

1. The Good Friday Agreement (1998) and the subsequent devolution to Northern Ireland,
2. FTPA 2011 repealed 2022

Question 2

Parliamentary sovereignity

Answer 2

1. Roe v Wade in america- unelected judicary making decisions
2. The FTPA was heavily criticised for creating gridlock (e.g., during the 2019 Brexit deadlock).

Question 3

Traditional Institutions Have Worked Well

Answer 3

1. The House of Lords was reformed in 1999 to remove most hereditary peers– HL reform 2024-25 intends to removing remaining
2. contribute expertise and non-partisan scrutiny (lord walton BMA, baroness lawerence Campaigner for racial justice after the murder of her son, Stephen Lawrence.)

Salisbury convention- ensure that there are checks without undermining the government.

Question 4

Lack of a Codified Constitution can cause inconsistencies and ambiguity

Answer 4

1. During the Brexit process (2016–2019), confusion over whether Parliament or the government had the authority to trigger Article 50 showed the lack of clear constitutional rules.
2. The legal basis for Scotland holding a second independence referendum without Westminster’s consent remains unresolved (ruled against by the UK Supreme Court in 2022).

Question 5

The Supreme Court should be given more powers

Answer 5

Should be given more powers like the US Supreme Court as the UK one is seen to be largely ineffective at keeping parliament accountable​

1. Rwanda Bill​
2. Shamima Begum case- the gov chose to ignore the SC ruling on this case

Question 6

HOL requires reform

Answer 6

1.The House of Lords, though reformed in 1999, remains an unelected body, which contradicts democratic principles.– appointed supposedly on merit

2. cash for honours– large donors appointed to HOL thus lacking legittimacy (anthony bamford- 1 mill to consrvative party before 2015 GE)