Evaluate The View That The Constitutional Reforms Introduced By New Labour Should Be Taken Further. (30)

(HoL reform)

AGREE Lords appointed based on expertise rather than birth right

HoL reform removed all but 92 hereditary peers

Baroness Lawrence expert on race issues after the murder of her son she campaigned for justice and brough attention to racism and inequality within the criminal justice system

Can lead to valuable improvements in legislation

(HoL reform)

DISAGREE Lords are unelected and therefore unaccountable. The PM can appoint whoever they like.

Peter Cruddas - major donor of CON party appointed despite HoL panel saying he was unsuitable .

Alan sugar hasn't voted since 2017

Produces an unprofessional chamber with working and non-working peers.

(Devolution)

AGREE Allowed for greater democracy and more effective local representation

SNP - free prescription chargers, free tuition fees

LON (khan) FSM for all primary school students in LON

Strengthens regional identity and accountability.

(Devolution)

DISAGREE Brexit -> tensions within devolved nations

NI - trade and border problems as still partly in the EU

Scotland wanted to rejoin EU - increased the desire for independence 2014 scot indy referendum 55% in favour of the union.

Risks to unity that devolution hasn't resolved.

(Human rights act)

AGREE HRA empowered the judiciary to conduct Judicial reviews

2010: the court ruled that the government had not acted lawfully when insisting that convicted sex offenders should be registered with the police for life. This breached the offenders' human rights, so instead, they should be given the right to appeal against the registration after 15 years since leaving prison.

Shows ability to check executive power when infringing on rights. Protecting rule of law

(Human rights act)

DISAGREE Power limited by parliamentary sovereignty

Hirst Vs UK - blanket ban on prisoner voting rights violates HRA - not implemented by government

SC declare laws incompatible with HR the power to change laws rests solely with parliament.