R (Miller) v The Prime Minister and Cherry v Advocate General for Scotland

Press release - Annual rule of law assessment and the role of national parliaments

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
Articles, Political philosophy, Government, Didier Reynders, Rule of law, Civil liberties, R (Miller) v The Prime Minister and Cherry v Advocate General for Scotland, Reynders, Justice, Katarina Barley, Fundamental rights in India

Parliamentarians will first assess the Commissions first annual rule of law report that was published on 30 September and the necessary steps towards establishing the more comprehensive Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights mechanism proposed by Parliament.

Key Points: 
  • Parliamentarians will first assess the Commissions first annual rule of law report that was published on 30 September and the necessary steps towards establishing the more comprehensive Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights mechanism proposed by Parliament.
  • EP Vice President Katarina Barley will deliver the opening speech, followed by interventions by Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders and Michael Roth, Minister of State for Europe the German Presidency of the Council.
  • The Civil Liberties committee recently warned that some of these measures pose a risk of abuse of power and underlined the need to ensure appropriate parliamentary scrutiny powers.
  • You can watch the meeting live here: part 1 and part 2.

Press release - Next week’s plenary session to take place remotely

Retrieved on: 
Friday, October 16, 2020
European Parliament, R (Miller) v The Prime Minister and Cherry v Advocate General for Scotland, Law of the United Kingdom

On the basis of this evaluation, it was decided that the necessary security conditions have not been met to allow the European Parliament to convene in full in person for the plenary session next week.

Key Points: 
  • On the basis of this evaluation, it was decided that the necessary security conditions have not been met to allow the European Parliament to convene in full in person for the plenary session next week.
  • To ensure Parliament remains operational, and in particular its legislative and budgetary activity, while avoiding additional risks, Members will be advised to participate remotely.
  • Many plenary interventions will be made from the European Parliaments Liaison Offices in the member states, while taking into account the national measures in place.
  • The European Parliament reiterates its wish to return to its Strasbourg seat as soon as possible and to convene in person, as soon as the situation allows for it.

Reform of Fixed-term Parliaments Act must keep the Queen out of politics, says Committee

Retrieved on: 
Friday, September 4, 2020
Law of the United Kingdom, Fixed-term Parliaments Act, Royal prerogative, Boris Johnson, Constitutional law, Government of the United Kingdom, R (Miller) v The Prime Minister and Cherry v Advocate General for Scotland, Early Parliamentary General Election Act

of parliaments at five years and to require the approval of the House of Commons for any early general election.

Key Points: 
  • of parliaments at five years and to require the approval of the House of Commons for any early general election.
  • Both the Conservative and Labour parties promised to repeal the Act in their 2019 manifestos and the Government has reiterated that commitment since taking office.
  • "However, repealing the Act without new provision is not feasible, as it is the only piece of legislation setting the length of a parliament.
  • It is therefore paramount that any proposals to replace the FTPA leave no uncertainty about such an important constitutional matter".

Reform of Fixed-term Parliaments Act must keep the Queen out of politics, says Committee

Retrieved on: 
Friday, September 4, 2020
Law of the United Kingdom, Fixed-term Parliaments Act, Royal prerogative, Boris Johnson, Constitutional law, Government of the United Kingdom, R (Miller) v The Prime Minister and Cherry v Advocate General for Scotland, Early Parliamentary General Election Act

of parliaments at five years and to require the approval of the House of Commons for any early general election.

Key Points: 
  • of parliaments at five years and to require the approval of the House of Commons for any early general election.
  • Both the Conservative and Labour parties promised to repeal the Act in their 2019 manifestos and the Government has reiterated that commitment since taking office.
  • "However, repealing the Act without new provision is not feasible, as it is the only piece of legislation setting the length of a parliament.
  • It is therefore paramount that any proposals to replace the FTPA leave no uncertainty about such an important constitutional matter".

Update on possible relocation of parliamentary functions

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, August 20, 2020
Boris Johnson, Government, R (Miller) v The Prime Minister and Cherry v Advocate General for Scotland, Parliament of Singapore, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Prime Minister of Spain, Parliament, Political systems

Earlier this year, the R&R Sponsor Body announced a strategic review into plans for the Restoration and Renewal of Parliament.

Key Points: 
  • Earlier this year, the R&R Sponsor Body announced a strategic review into plans for the Restoration and Renewal of Parliament.
  • In July, the Prime Minister wrote to the Sponsor Body, suggesting that some functions of Parliament be moved out of London.
  • In response, the Sponsor Body sought the views of the Speakers of both Houses, noting it was not within their remit to look at alternative locations outside of London.
  • This view has now been communicated to the Prime Minister, in a letter from Sarah Johnson, Chief Executive of the Sponsor Body and David Goldstone, Chief Executive of the Design Authority.

Committee asks architect of Fixed-term Parliaments Act and Cabinet Office about the Act’s repeal

Retrieved on: 
Monday, July 20, 2020
Law of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson, Government, Politics of New Zealand, Cabinet Office, Mark Harper, Fixed-term Parliaments Act, Cabinet of the United Kingdom, Cabinet of New Zealand, R (Miller) v The Prime Minister and Cherry v Advocate General for Scotland

The Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee is to take evidence on the Fixed-term Parliaments Act (FtPA) 2011 from the minister responsible for introducing the Bill in 2011, Mark Harper MP, and the current Minister of State, Cabinet Office, Chloe Smith MP.

Key Points: 
  • The Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee is to take evidence on the Fixed-term Parliaments Act (FtPA) 2011 from the minister responsible for introducing the Bill in 2011, Mark Harper MP, and the current Minister of State, Cabinet Office, Chloe Smith MP.
  • Members of the Committee will explore the original purpose of the FtPA with Mark Harper, and get his assessment of its operation.
  • Chloe Smith MP is also likely to be asked further questions on her role and responsibilities in the Cabinet Office in areas including electoral law, and devolution.
  • Rt Hon Mark Harper MP, Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office and Minister for Political and Constitutional Reform 2010-012

Committee asks architect of Fixed-term Parliaments Act and Cabinet Office about the Act’s repeal

Retrieved on: 
Monday, July 20, 2020
Law of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson, Government, Politics of New Zealand, Cabinet Office, Mark Harper, Fixed-term Parliaments Act, Cabinet of the United Kingdom, Cabinet of New Zealand, R (Miller) v The Prime Minister and Cherry v Advocate General for Scotland

The Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee is to take evidence on the Fixed-term Parliaments Act (FtPA) 2011 from the minister responsible for introducing the Bill in 2011, Mark Harper MP, and the current Minister of State, Cabinet Office, Chloe Smith MP.

Key Points: 
  • The Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee is to take evidence on the Fixed-term Parliaments Act (FtPA) 2011 from the minister responsible for introducing the Bill in 2011, Mark Harper MP, and the current Minister of State, Cabinet Office, Chloe Smith MP.
  • Members of the Committee will explore the original purpose of the FtPA with Mark Harper, and get his assessment of its operation.
  • Chloe Smith MP is also likely to be asked further questions on her role and responsibilities in the Cabinet Office in areas including electoral law, and devolution.
  • Rt Hon Mark Harper MP, Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office and Minister for Political and Constitutional Reform 2010-012

Committee asks architect of Fixed-term Parliaments Act and Cabinet Office about the Act’s repeal

Retrieved on: 
Monday, July 20, 2020
Law of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson, Government, Politics of New Zealand, Cabinet Office, Mark Harper, Fixed-term Parliaments Act, Cabinet of the United Kingdom, Cabinet of New Zealand, R (Miller) v The Prime Minister and Cherry v Advocate General for Scotland

The Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee is to take evidence on the Fixed-term Parliaments Act (FtPA) 2011 from the minister responsible for introducing the Bill in 2011, Mark Harper MP, and the current Minister of State, Cabinet Office, Chloe Smith MP.

Key Points: 
  • The Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee is to take evidence on the Fixed-term Parliaments Act (FtPA) 2011 from the minister responsible for introducing the Bill in 2011, Mark Harper MP, and the current Minister of State, Cabinet Office, Chloe Smith MP.
  • Members of the Committee will explore the original purpose of the FtPA with Mark Harper, and get his assessment of its operation.
  • Chloe Smith MP is also likely to be asked further questions on her role and responsibilities in the Cabinet Office in areas including electoral law, and devolution.
  • Rt Hon Mark Harper MP, Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office and Minister for Political and Constitutional Reform 2010-012

Inquiries launched on UK-Australia and UK-New Zealand trade negotiations

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, July 16, 2020
European Union, Brexit, Euroscepticism in the United Kingdom, Withdrawal from the European Union, Aftermath of the 2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum, R (Miller) v The Prime Minister and Cherry v Advocate General for Scotland, Negotiation, Events, Decades

Lord Goldsmith QC , Chair of the International Agreements Sub-Committee, said:

Key Points: 
  • Lord Goldsmith QC , Chair of the International Agreements Sub-Committee, said:
    "Thecommittee has ambitious plans to scrutinise the Governments early priorities for UK post-Brexit trade negotiations.
  • Questions the committee is inviting evidence on include:
    What are some of the points of disagreement in Australias recent trade negotiations, that the Committee should consider when scrutinising UK-Australia negotiations?
  • What are some points of disagreement that have emerged in New Zealands recent trade negotiations that the Committee should bear in mind when scrutinising UK-New Zealand negotiations?
  • How might the UK agriculture and food industries approach any new competition that might arise from a trade deal with New Zealand?

Inquiries launched on UK-Australia and UK-New Zealand trade negotiations

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, July 16, 2020
European Union, Brexit, Euroscepticism in the United Kingdom, Withdrawal from the European Union, Aftermath of the 2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum, R (Miller) v The Prime Minister and Cherry v Advocate General for Scotland, Negotiation, Events, Decades

Lord Goldsmith QC , Chair of the International Agreements Sub-Committee, said:

Key Points: 
  • Lord Goldsmith QC , Chair of the International Agreements Sub-Committee, said:
    "Thecommittee has ambitious plans to scrutinise the Governments early priorities for UK post-Brexit trade negotiations.
  • Questions the committee is inviting evidence on include:
    What are some of the points of disagreement in Australias recent trade negotiations, that the Committee should consider when scrutinising UK-Australia negotiations?
  • What are some points of disagreement that have emerged in New Zealands recent trade negotiations that the Committee should bear in mind when scrutinising UK-New Zealand negotiations?
  • How might the UK agriculture and food industries approach any new competition that might arise from a trade deal with New Zealand?