Stephen Hockman QC was called to the Bar in 1970 and became a Queen’s Counsel in 1990. Dave Drew is a General Counsel who has worked previously in the House of Commons. Introduction As is widely known, the Conservative Party have plans to make … [Read more...] about Constitutional reform: a legal perspective on the issues
One passage in particular from the 2019 Conservative General Election manifesto has generated considerable discussion among constitutional observers. It comprised the promise that, if elected, a Conservative government would set up a Constitution, … [Read more...] about The Constitution, Democracy and Rights Commission: death by independent review
The Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011 made major changes to the way that general elections are called in the United Kingdom. It took away the prime minister’s ability to call early elections at a time of their choosing, and handed this power instead to … [Read more...] about How could the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011 be improved?
Dominic Cummings’ departure from No. 10 has been widely been framed as a ‘reset’ moment for the government. But will it reset the government’s approach to the constitution? It seems that Downing Street is keen, at least on some level, to encourage … [Read more...] about Cummings and the constitution: continuity or change?
Yesterday I gave oral evidence (via Zoom) to the House of Commons Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee (PACAC). It is conducting an inquiry into the government's proposed 'Constitution, Democracy and Rights Commission'. … [Read more...] about Waiting for the Commission
