The Constitution: Debates on further reform

Give three arguments in favour of extending devolution to England.

A federal solution would promote greater equality between different parts of UK.

Devolution has met the needs of Scottish, Welsh and N. Irish people and it would work in England.

There are strong regional identities in some parts of the UK.

Give three arguments against extending devolution to England.

England’s size and wealth would dominate a federal structure.

There is still disagreement on what form devolution would take.

Defeat of Blair's proposals in 2004 suggests there isn't a strong enough sense of regional identity across the UK to make regional assemblies viable

Give three arguments in favour of extending the constitutional reforms since 1997 (listed in 1.2 of the Constitution).

There should be electoral reform for UK General Elections.

The House of Lords should become elected.

There should be a Bill of Rights which sets out the rights to be protected and enforced within the UK.

Give three arguments against extending the constitutional reforms since 1997 (listed in 1.2 of the Constitution).

FPTP is adequate and is favoured by the public.

The House of Lords has had enough reform and it should retain its traditional non-elected role.

The Human Rights Act allows for declaration of incompatibility without harming parliamentary sovereignty.

Give three arguments in favour of a codified constitution.

There will be a formal protection of rights

The government will be limited in its powers.

It will increase political education, awareness and participation.

Give three arguments against a codified constitution.

It would be difficult for politicians to overturn and amend.

It would prevent ‘judicial tyranny’.

It would be ‘undemocratic’ and can cause high risk of political division.