This paper considers the question ‘what is New Labour’s constitutional legacy?’
To frame the boundaries of this essay, and given the uncodified nature of the UK constitution, I borrow the definition of ‘constitution’ offered by Bogdanor: ‘A constitution is nothing more than a collection of the most important rules prescribing the distribution of power between the institutions of government – legislature, executive and judiciary – and between the individual and the state’ (Bogdanor, 2009), while adding that rules can be both explicit and implicit (i.e. conventions).
This paper considers the success of Labour’s constitutional reforms, within the context of what Labour proposed it would achieve. Straw argues that Labour had five principles guiding reform: decentralisation, stronger citizen rights, greater openness, judicial reform, and democratic reform (Straw, 2010). The first three were discussed in a 1998 Labour Constitution Unit pamphlet while the latter two were added by McDonald and Hazell (McDonald and Hazell, 2007).
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Decentralisation
- Stronger citizen rights
- Greater Openness
- Reform of judiciary
- Democratic reform
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper examines the lasting constitutional impacts of the New Labour government in the United Kingdom. It analyzes the success of their reforms, particularly focusing on five key areas: decentralization, stronger citizen rights, increased openness, judicial reform, and democratic reform.- The extent to which New Labour shifted power away from central government.
- The effectiveness of reforms aimed at strengthening citizen rights.
- The role of increased transparency and accountability in government.
- The significance of judicial reforms in establishing an independent judiciary.
- The progress made in enhancing democratic representation and participation.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The paper begins by discussing the concept of constitution and its application to the UK's uncodified system. It then delves into Labour's five core principles for constitutional reform, outlining their goals and strategies.
The section on decentralization explores the shift from a centralized state to devolved governance in Scotland, Wales, and London. The author highlights key reforms, such as the establishment of the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly, and the impact of devolution on areas like education and healthcare.
The chapter on stronger citizen rights examines the introduction of the Human Rights Act (HRA), its significance in incorporating the European Convention of Human Rights into UK legislation, and its implications for the relationship between the individual and the state.
The section on greater openness analyzes Labour's efforts to increase transparency and accountability in government through the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) and the reform of the House of Commons.
The chapter on judicial reform delves into the passage of the Constitutional Reform Act and its impact on the separation of powers, the establishment of an independent judiciary, and the appointment of judges.
Finally, the section on democratic reform focuses on the reform of the House of Lords, the efforts to make it more democratic and representative, and the unresolved issues surrounding the electoral system for the House of Commons.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This paper explores key themes and concepts related to constitutional reform in the UK, including: decentralization, devolution, citizen rights, human rights, transparency, accountability, judicial independence, democratic representation, House of Lords, House of Commons, electoral systems, and the West Lothian question.- Quote paper
- Roy Whymark (Author), 2010, What is New Labour's Constitutional legacy?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/207474
