Constitutional Reform under the current Government

Constitutional Reform under the Government

Considering the current Government have been in power for less than a year thus is gonna be a tricky one, great.

The Conservative agenda for their 5 year term had a few issues concerning constitutional reform, but will they stick to their promises or recreate the infamous 'I'm sorry' video? (Ha, imagine the Torys taking responsibility for their actions...i can dream.) 

One of the most noticeable issues was devolution to Scotland and Wales. After Scotland rejected Independence following the referendum in 2014, Cameron immediately gave them more power (a more 'thanks for staying!' present.)

However, that was under the coalition, and since then, nothing much else has really happened.

The strong presence of the Scottish Nationalist Party with their 56 seats may pressure Cameron in Parliament to announcer further devolution, or may even want another referendum in a few years time.  

Again, since the referendum, nothing much has really happened. but it will happen - well, probably. 

Things have been stirring up in Wales, too. In the St. Davids Day declaration the coalition announced devolution of income tax powers to Wales, which could be introduced via a referendum, (Chill with the referendums m8) 

However, after this was put forward, this offer was swiftly denounced by the Welsh first Minsiter, Cavwyn Jones, who condemned the proposals as lacking fair funding, pressing an unnecessary referendum, and failing to match Scotland in powers offered (salty.) 

The Conservatives seem to pe pretty sold on legislation on further welsh devotion, though. But it will take a while to sort a few things out, especially the funding, as we have our own money problems.

The next pretty big thing mentioned was 'English votes on English Laws' - its been  said so many times that its got itself a nice acronym for itself - EVEL, (looks a bit like evil but...thats surely a coincidence.) 

EVEL has been present in the Tory policy since 2001, but made no real special appearances during the coalition, likely due to the Lib Dem resistance. 

Since the election, EVEL has been mentioned various times in Parliament, More recently in January of this year it was said that 'English Votes for English Laws' rules were implemented in the Commons for the first time. 

Nonetheless, this seemed to of gone out the window when the new Sunday Trading Laws was debated in the Commons. The bill was introduced by the Government planning to extend working hours in the UK, giving more opportunities for trade, as currently most shops operate from 10am to 4pm. 

When it came to the vote in the issue, SNP had their say - although the bill would of not changed their trading hours on Sunday, as they already have enough power to decide them for themselves. Cameron might have to implement this a bit harder next time, (When you try your best but you don't succeed...) 

Lastly, one of the most noticeable constitutional reforms is regarding Europe. The EU - you either love it or hate it really. 

The Conservatives manifesto promised a referendum on the UKs membership of the EU by 2017, which has now been confirmed for June later is year, 

The party has been known to be internally divided over the issue, with Boris campaigning to leave, whilst Cameron wants to stay. Therefore, its important that Cameron doesn't make his MPs 'toe the party line' in this one, as it will settle the divisions once and for all. 

The result of the referendum will directly affect the constitution and sovereignty. as a lot of the sources of the constitution are deprived from the EU, such as laws and treaties. Either way, its sure to be an interesting referendum, especially seeing both sides of the campaign,