A presentation about the UK Constitution and particularly the Labour reforms during 1997-2010.

1. How the UK Constitution
has changed since 1997

2. ● UK constitution is unique due to lack of fundamental,
transformative events
● No revolutions or foreign occupations in its history
● Political system evolved gradually, especially since the
17th-century civil wars
● Contrast with countries gaining independence from
empires, experiencing recent transformative changes
● Continuous evolution without dramatic breaks
characterizes the UK's constitutional development
Key elements of the UK constitution:

3. American Revolution (1775-1783):
Resulted in the thirteen
American colonies
breaking away from
British rule, leading to
the creation of the
United States of
America. The
revolutionaries drafted
the U.S. Constitution in
1787, laying the
foundation for a federal
system of government.

4. Russian Revolution (1917):
The Bolshevik uprising and
subsequent revolution resulted
in the overthrow of the
Romanov monarchy and the
establishment of the Soviet
Union. The new government
under Vladimir Lenin
introduced a socialist
constitution in 1918,
transforming Russia into a
communist state.

5. Irish War of Independence (1919-1921):
The armed conflict between
Irish republicans and British
forces led to the Anglo-Irish
Treaty of 1921, which
resulted in the establishment
of the Irish Free State. This
treaty marked a significant
constitutional change for both
Ireland and the UK.

6. Vietnam War (1955-1975):
The conflict between North
and South Vietnam, resulted in
the reunification of Vietnam in
1976. The establishment of
the Socialist Republic of
Vietnam involved constitutional
changes, transitioning from a
dividedstate to a single,
unified nation.

7. House of Lords reform:
● In 1997 the Labour government led by Tony
Blair takes office.
● 1999 Reform: Labour government limits
hereditary peers' right to sit in the House of
Lords, retaining only 92. Aim is to reduce
Conservative influence and give the House a
more 'modern' appearance.
● Majority of the Lords become life peers,
appointed based on merit from various fields.
House of Lords Appointments Commission
involved in nominations from 2000, reducing
party-political influence.
● Despite reforms, the House of Lords remains
unelected. Political nominations continue, limiting
democratic legitimacy.

8. Devolution:
● Referendums were held in 1997-98 in Scotland, Wales, and Northern
Ireland, leading to the creation of devolved bodies.
● Labour's devolution reforms aimed to address specific regional
concerns and political dynamics.
● Scottish Parliament gained significant powers, reflecting the strong
demand for devolution.
● Demand for devolution in Wales was weaker, and the Welsh
Assembly did not receive powers comparable to the Scottish
Parliament.

9. Electoral reform:
● Various forms of proportional representation were implemented for
elections in the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly, Northern
Ireland Assembly, and European Parliament.
● Supporters of proportional representation concluded that, having won
a crushing victory under the old system, Labour had no interest in
changing arrangements for Westminster.
● No action was taken to reform Westminster elections

10. The Human Rights Act:
● Enacted to incorporate the European Convention on Human Rights
(ECHR) into UK statute law.
● Rights such as fair trial, freedom from slavery, degrading treatment,
and respect for privacy and family life were enshrined.
● All future legislation required compatibility with the ECHR.
● Introduction of control orders in 2005 allowed authorities to restrict the
freedom of movement for individuals suspected of terrorism.

11. Creation of the Supreme Court:
● Enacted in 2005, The Supreme
Court became the highest court of
appeal in the UK for civil cases.
● In criminal cases, it became the
highest court of appeal everywhere
except in Scotland.
● A move towards independence
between the branches of
government, specifically lawmaking
and judicial functions.

12. Successful Reforms Unsuccessful Reforms
Labour Reforms
(1997-2010)

13. Devolution:

14. The Fixed Term Parliaments Act (2011):

15. Reform of the House of Commons:

16. The Recall of MPs Act (2015):

17. Successful Reforms Unsuccessful Reforms
Coalition Reforms
(2010-2015)