Are further reforms desirable?

Question 1

Arguments for greater devolution to England

Answer 1

• It would facilitate a more federal model of government
• It would provide stronger regional identity in parts of the UK
• Would provide a solution to the West Lothian question

Question 2

Arguments against greater devolution to England

Answer 2

• It would result in even more unbalanced devolution. In the UK, devolved powers differ sharply between countries, Scotland has the most devolved powers and England has the least
• There is little public support for a English legislature, not supported by any major political party
• Many areas of England arguably don’t have a strong local identity

Question 3

Potential reforms of the House of Commons

Answer 3

• To make the PM more accountable: reform PM’s questions and increase regularity of the Liaison Committee - this would create more meaningful, rational debate of issues.
• Departmental select committees are still often ignored and not valued: give them more enforcement powers - this would make government more accountable.

Question 4

Arguments for the House of Lords being reformed

Answer 4

• An elected chamber would be a more effective check on the executive, since the Salisbury Convention would not exist.
• Full or partial election would raise the legitimacy of the chamber. Would also make the Lords a more accountable chamber to the public

Question 5

Arguments against the House of Lords being reformed

Answer 5

• Election would eliminate the many experts who sit in it, including the experience of the ex-ministers and PM in the Lords
• The current chamber works well and has proved to be a useful check on the executive e.g voting down the EU withdrawal agreement continuously