A Heath Robinson constitution

Article Abstract:

A new assembly will be set up for Northern Ireland, in addition to councils involving both Northern Ireland and Ireland. These developments are part of a wider process of constitutional reform in the United Kingdom, which include a Welsh assembly and a Scottish parliament. The changes have come about as ad hoc solutions rather than as a coherent constitutional strategy. A constitutional commission would have involved a delay. The government may encounter problems on issues such as independence for Scotland if it does not tackle such major questions early on.

Other Justice, Public Order, and Safety Activities, Constitutional Procedures, Column, Constitutional law

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New Lords for old

Article Abstract:

The United Kingdom government plans to reform the House of Lords, and a royal commission will be set up to make decisions on how the reform should take place, following the abolition of voting rights for hereditary peers. There are a number of aspects of the UK constitution which are undergoing changes, and a transitional arrangement may be needed. Such an arrangement should improve the existing arrangement, and should have an inbuilt schedule for its end, as well as serving as a trial for planned new arrangements.

Editorial, United Kingdom. Parliament. House of Lords, Powers and duties, Political reform, Legislative bodies, Reform

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Federalism by stealth

Article Abstract:

The United Kingdom government will set up a committee to tackle the issue of relations between central government and assemblies in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The committee would have ministers from each of the governments involved in devolution, and would deal with problems arising from a decision by central government which affects areas that the assemblies are responsible for. The committee would function in a similar way to the European Council of Ministers.

Autonomy, Autonomy (Political science)

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