constitutional reform new labour

Question 1

HoL act 1999

Answer 1

removed all but 92 hereditary peers (peers that inherited the title) from the HoL

Question 2

HoC reform

Answer 2

• introduced a backbench business committee to determine the business of HoC for 1 day each week
• introduced chairs of select committees to be elected by backbenchers

Question 3

devolution in UK overall

Answer 3

• asymmetric devolution: power is unequally spread across the UK
  (quasi-federalism - central gov of a unitary state devolves some powers to subnational govs)

Question 4

Scottish devolution

Answer 4

• gave Scotland primary legislative
• tax varying powers
• can make their own education/health policies

Question 5

Welsh devolution

Answer 5

• secondary legislation
• can implement legislation passed by the Westminster Parliament only in education & health

Question 6

NI devolution

Answer 6

• primary and secondary legislative
• NO tax varying powers

Question 7

England devolution (mayors)

Answer 7

• elected mayors
• London was the first to elect a mayor in 2000 after the 1998 referendum where 72% voted yes (34% turnout)
• mayoral elections have a LOW TURNOUT

Question 8

West Lothian question issue

Answer 8

• the question of whether MPs from Scotland/Wales/NI should be able to vote on English laws

Question 9

Good Friday Agreement 1998

Answer 9

introduced:
- a devolved assembly to be chosen by STV
- a new British-Irish council

Question 10

Brexit issues with NI

Answer 10

2016 ref - DUP voted leave, Sinn Fein voted remain
hard border/soft border issues after leaving the EU

Question 11

judiciary reform - Constitutional Reform act 2005

Answer 11

• separated judiciary and government
  Lord Chancellor could go into all 3 branches (Judiciary, HoC, HoL)
  Shabana Mahmood is justice secretary, Lord Chancellor and MP for Birmingham Ladywood
  the judicial role was largely removed, and Lord Speaker role was created in the HoL
• created a supreme court
  appointed senior judges