Via Westminster Wisdom, Vino discusses assymetrical devolution of the British political system.
Australia uses the technology of federalism and a written constitution to separate the political responsibilities between the national government and the states.
The British constitution is a mix of practice, convention and statutes over time but until recently there has not been a growing layer of government outside the national parliament in London and the local councils.
The devolution and establishment of Scottish parliament, the Welsh Assembly and Northern Ireland parliament, without the clear cut separations of federalism or confederacy have raised some issues. (more)
These are excerpts from the UK Chambers' Hansard of Gordon Brown's speech on Constitutional Reform. (more)
Anthony Barnett asked the six candidates for deputy leadership of the British Labour Party their opinion on a written constitution. He got full replies on open democracy. The questions are excellent and the replies, for the most part, are straight forward. (more)
The War of Jenkin's Ear between Britain and Spain has a bizarre origin. Robert Jenkin's ship was boarded by the Spanish to determine if he was complying with the Treaty of Seville. Jenkin's claimed the Spanish cut his ear off; he pickled it in a jar, and presented it to Parliament. War was declared. (more)
An interesting article in the Independent titled:
Brown may bring in written constitution
. Britain's constitution is a non-written one, unlike America's and Australia's. Britain has non-contiguous acts which make up what would be called a constitution, but they are not in one entrenched or statutory act. A written constitution would bring Britain into line with modern constitutional practice.
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Crikey reports that the British Commons voted on several measures to make the House of Lords a democratic house rather than the titled house it is now. (more)
Members of British Parliament are forbidden from resigning.
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