Parliamentary Supremacy and Devolution

Overview:
Power is given from Westminster to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, giving the, greater control over
their affairs and the power to make their own affairs and the power to make their own laws in certain
areas. This is not full independence, however, as Westminster retains power over key areas such as
defence.
Main Themes:
Scotland Scotland Act 1998 created Scottish Executive and Scottish Parliament. Does not have powers
over areas such as defence, foreign affairs, immigration, finance and economic matters.
Wales Government of Wales Act 1998 created Welsh assembly which has fewer powers than the SP
Northern Ireland NI Assembly created by the 1998 Belfast Agreement. It has been suspended a number
of times but came back into power in May 2007

Parliamentary Privilege and Responsible Government

Overview:
To ensure that MPs and P as a whole can carry out their fuctionas effectively, they have certain privileges
to safeguard them from outside interference.
Main Themes:
Freedom of speech
MPs are free to carry out his Parliamentary duties and speak freely without fear of legal repercussions.
Absolute Privilege Words spoken in the course of Parliamentary proceedings cannot be made basis for
any action against an MP. e.g.Rivlin Bilainkin 1953 breach of privilege amounts to contempt
Privilege of freedom from arrest in connection with civil matters while P is in session and for 40 days
before and after no real practical importance today
Collective privilege attach to P as an institution and relate to matters such as admissions, expulsions and
disciplinary matters.
e.g.Bradlaugh v Gossett (1884)

Coalition Government
Overview:
HoC represents a hung parliament in that no single party enjoys an overall majority. The result is the
present coalition government between the Con & LibDem. This is highly unusual in UK politics. It is the
result of the first past the post election system which is widely criticised for not being truly representative
of votes cast. Successive governments have resisted introducing a system of proportional representation,
as it would reuce their majority and force them to work more closely with their opponents, but many argue
that a PR would be fairer - Jenkins Commission 1998.
Main Themes:

How does this topic operate in the UK?

Judicial Review
Overview:
Main Themes:

How does this topic operate in the UK?