David Starkey: How New Labour Trashed The British Constitution

Recent questions

• How did Tony Blair's election impact British government?

  Tony Blair's election in 1997 brought foreign ideas into British government, leading to significant changes in the existing structure. His government aimed to limit the political process by attacking parliamentary sovereignty and reducing the powers of Parliament. One major change was the abolition of the position of Lord Chancellor, impacting the judicial system and separation of powers. The creation of a Minister of Justice to replace the Lord Chancellor highlighted a shift in legal and governmental structures. The establishment of the Supreme Appellate Court to replace the House of Lords' judicial committee further altered the balance of power.

• What were the concerns raised by the creation of single-issue committees?

  The creation of single-issue committees, along with the separation of powers between the state and the judiciary, raised concerns about the political process and democracy in British government. These committees showcased a trend towards entrusting specific issues to independent bodies, limiting parliamentary control. This shift towards abstract doctrines and the erosion of parliamentary sovereignty through devolution structures highlighted the challenges faced by the British government in delivering justice and addressing critical issues effectively.

• How did Tony Blair's government address monetary policy and climate change?

  Tony Blair's government made changes in monetary policy, climate change decisions, and land use regulations to showcase a trend towards entrusting specific issues to independent bodies, limiting parliamentary control. These changes highlighted a shift in the effectiveness of government in delivering justice and addressing critical issues. The impact of these changes on the governance structure of British government was significant, emphasizing the need to revitalize the old system of English government rather than pursue revolutionary change.

• What challenges did the British government face with the erosion of parliamentary sovereignty?

  The erosion of parliamentary sovereignty through devolution structures highlighted the challenges faced by the British government. The shift towards abstract doctrines and the separation of powers between the state and the judiciary raised concerns about the political process and democracy. Conservatives in a progressive country were advised to adapt to change within existing structures, like broadening the franchise while maintaining historical self-governing entities integrated with the state, such as counties and old County boroughs.

• How did the American government exemplify effective governance in small towns?

  The American government, with its Constitution mirroring English government patterns, exemplified effective small town governance through citizen-led decision-making processes. This showcased the potential for a revival of similar models in modern times, emphasizing the need to analyze and revitalize the old system of English government rather than pursue revolutionary change. The integration of historical self-governing entities with the state, like counties and old County boroughs, was highlighted as a way to address the challenges faced by the British government effectively.