New Labour and Constitutional Reform (1997-2010) Flashcards
What were the 4 interlocking themes that drove Labour’s constitutional reform? (MDDR)
Modernisation
Democratisation
Decentralisation
Rights
What was Labours aim for Modernisation?
Institutions such as parliament, the executive and the civil service were using outdated and inefficient procedures that demanded reform
What was Labours aim for Democratisation?
Participation in the political process would be encouraged through the electoral reform and greater use of referendums
What was Labours aim for Decentralisation?
Decision-making powers would be devolved to new institutions in Scotland and Wales, with the role of local government also being enhanced
What was Labours aim for Rights?
The rights of citizens would be strengthened and safeguarded
New Labours Rights reforms
The Human Rights Act 1998 incorporates the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) into UK law
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 gives greater access to information held by public bodies
New Labours Devolution reforms
A Scottish Parliament with primary legislative and tax-raising powers
A Northern Ireland Assembly with primary legislative powers
A Welsh Assembly with secondary legislative powers
A directly elected mayor of London and a London Assembly
Elected mayors in some English authorities
New Labours Electoral reforms
New electoral systems for devolved assemblies, for the European Parliament and elected mayors
New Labours Parliamentary reforms
All but 92 hereditary peers are removed from the House of Lords
Limited reforms to the workings of the House of Commons
New Labours Judiciary reforms
The Constitutional Reforms Act 2005
Supreme Court started work October 2009
New judicial appointments system
Changes to role of lord chancellor
How many elected mayors are were there nationwide by 2016?
Only 17
