PM Prerogative powers-And the limits

A-level politics paper 2

Prerogative Power

Powers PM has on behalf of Monarch

Ability to legally pardon person of crime

Unpopular- won’t do unless it is for some very old crime

Sign treaties international

so can foreign secretary and secretary of defence like during AUKUS security partnership where the Defence Secretary and Foreign Secretary played major roles 

But Rishi Sunak did personally negotiated and signed the Windsor Framework with the EU to reform the Northern Ireland Protocol 2023

Act in case of emergency

COBRA typically helps to deal with it

Johnson, Truss, and Sunak chaired COBRA meetings during the pandemic 

Declare war and authorise the use of armed forces

convention to consult parliament before military action, so constitution

• Sunak authorised RAF strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen after attacks on Red Sea shipping. 

• Parliament was informed but not asked for prior approval 

Where 100 per cent power?

Has 100 per cent power in awarding certain honours and appointing ministers and other senior office holders (But advised by House of lords appointment committee) 

BJ apponted Lebedev, Cruddas and Jo Johnson