Constitutional Reform (1997-2017)

These flashcards cover the main concepts, events, and reforms associated with constitutional changes in the UK from 1997 to 2017.

What is constitutional reform?

A process of making or proposing significant changes to the constitution.

What major political change occurred in 1997?

Tony Blair led the Labour party to a landslide victory after 18 years of Conservative government.

Why reform the constitution?

To make Britain more democratic, decentralise power, increase and safeguard human rights, and for modernisation.

What was one of Blair’s key constitutional reforms?

The Human Rights Act (1998).

What bodies were established in 1999 as part of Blair's reforms?

Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly.

What did the Freedom of Information Act (2000) do?

Increased transparency by allowing public access to information held by public authorities.

What change was made to the House of Lords in 2000?

Removal of all but 92 hereditary peers.

What were some criticisms of Blair's reforms?

Reforms did not go far enough, the voting system for Westminster was not reformed, and the constitution was not fully codified.

What was proposed during the Coalition government (2010-2015)?

Fixed-term Parliaments, Alternative Vote, Recall of MPs by petition, and an elected House of Lords.

What was the outcome of the Recall of MPs Act introduced in 2015?

It allowed MPs to be recalled if sent to prison or suspended for over 21 days.

What significant constitutional change occurred as a result of Brexit?

The UK left the EU in January 2020, marking the biggest constitutional change in almost 50 years.

What step did the UK government take in March 2017 regarding EU membership?

Gave notice to the EU that Britain would leave in March 2019.