10) What constitutional reforms have the coalition proposed?

10) What constitutional reforms have the coalition proposed?

1. Bill of rights& judiciary

   • Bill of Rights & Judiciary: Conservatives want to replace the Human Rights Act with a British Bill of Rights. – partly supported by Lib Dems.
   • For a bill of rights
     • o It would provide ownership and promote citizenship o It would protect citizens from state power o It would unify our laws. o It would protect the right for privacy and other civil liberties
   • Against a bill of rights
     • o The Human rights act is already doing the job therefore a bill of rights wouldn’t help o It would undermine parliamentary sovereignty

2. Electoral Reform

   • Electoral Reform for the HoC: Lib Dems favour using proportional representation, specifically the STV system… whereas the Conservatives favour ‘first past the post’ system.

3. Lords Reform

   • Lords Reform: Both parties committed to a largely (or entirely) elected second chamber – however, many Conservative MPs are anxious that an elected second chamber may rival the Commons in the future

4. Europe

   • Europe: Conservatives have led policy with the support of Lib Dems – requirement that a referendum is held before any future transfer of power to Brussels is accepted is agreed to by most Lib Dems – its implications are EUROSCEPTICAL.
   • Referendum provides an obstacle to further European integration. Membership of the Euro has already been ruled out.

5. Devolution

   • The coalition have agreed to hold a referendum on further Welsh devolution, involving law-making power.
   • It does not extend to a federalist system (which Lib Dems support) and Conservatives have recognised that this process does not threaten the unity of the UK
   • In response, a committee has been set up to investigate imbalances created through Scottish devolution.