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Governing the UK

Analyzing the impact of Labour's constitutional changes in the UK since 1997, including the reforms introduced under Blair's government, such as devolution, the Human Rights Act, and changes to the House of Lords. Explore the strengths, criticisms, and evolving pressure for reform post-1997. Debate the necessity and effectiveness of these reforms.

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Governing the UK

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  1. Governing the UK Changing the Constitution

  2. How has the British Constitution be developed under Labour since 1997? • Blair’s constitutional reforms • 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? • 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 • Northern Ireland assembly as part of larger Good Friday Agreement 1998 • Greater London Authority with Mayor and Assembly 2000 • Referendums for each body • PR electoral systems used for each body • Human Rights Act 1998 • 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 • 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.

  5. For: Member Scottish Parliament – Abraham M Welsh Assembly – Agrawal Labour spokesman – Brall Elected Lord – Cairns Labour Mayor of London – Caskey Human Rights Barrister – Davies Northern Irish Member – Devji Liberal Democrat Supporter – Foux Young Labour voter – Leather 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 “Were the Labour reforms effective and necessary” debate

  6. Objective • 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 • Can you think of any wider issues that has an impact on Labour reforms? • 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? • What have been the strengths? • What are the criticisms? • How has pressure for reform changed recently? • Has recent constitutional reform removed the need for a codified constitution?

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