Finally, Washminster returns. My apologies for the delayed return. The demands on my time in June were greater than expected.
This month contains two important national days - those of France and the United States. Both celebrate a common theme - Liberty. Government's which lacked the consent of the people were ultimately removed. In both cases this involved the use of force. The Americans resisted the forces of the British Crown and eventually won the right to select their own government. In France the King resisted the will of the people - and was removed. Now both countries have systems which allow for the peaceful transfer of power. The people are regarded as sovereign.
In Britain, we have no national day - but instead enjoy the fruits of centuries of struggle for our rights. Parliament, not the Monarch is sovereign. (Recommended reading for any students of constitutional law is the book below -)
There is universal suffrage, and our liberties are now protected by the Human Rights Act 1998. Attempts by the authorities to search property or detain individuals without lawful cause were resisted by the Courts. Freedom of speech was upheld. But new challenges arise! In coming weeks this blog will consider the milestones in the histories of our shared Liberties - and the current challenges.
Welcome back!
Showing posts with label Threats to Liberty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Threats to Liberty. Show all posts
Monday, 1 July 2013
Thursday, 8 September 2011
Magna Carta Day
Yesterday Eleanor Laing was given leave to introduce a Bill which would make 15th June 2015 a national holiday. It would celebrate the 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta.
The procedure used was that of a "ten minute rule bill". This is covered by Standing Order 23. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays a member is given 10 minutes (the SO actually speaks of "the Speaker, after permitting, if he thinks fit, a brief explanatory statement...) to give reasons why the House should grant leave to bring in the bill. Actually leave is not needed to bring in a bill - SO 57 says "A member may, after notice, present a bill without previously obtaining leave from the House to bring in the same". This happens very early in the day's business - and can pass almost unnoticed - and that is the point about the 10 minute rule bill procedure. It is rarely used for serious legislating - instead it gives the member an opportunity for "prime time" coverage of the issue he or she wishes to raise. It occurs straight after Questions - and of course on a Wednesday, straight after PMQs (Prime Minister' Question Time). Many 10 minute rule bills get national publicity earlier in the day.
Ms Laing's purpose was to draw attention to the campaign for a holiday to celebrate the signing of the Magna Carta. I have to say that I can not be neutral on this issue. I strongly believe that in the UK we should give more attention to this important event and document in British history. I was the co-founder of a Facebook group as far back as 2007 - "Magna Carta Day!" - do please join!
This blog has frequently dealt with the Magna Carta and its significance
May 2011
June 2010
June 2007
Threats to Liberty
The Rule of Law
The request for leave and the subsequent First Reading can be watched at 01:01:30 onwards (you will need to move the slider to that point (although there's quite a bit to see beforehand - including a message from the Queen; PMQs; A point of order; and Introduction of a bill under the Art 57 procedure)
The procedure used was that of a "ten minute rule bill". This is covered by Standing Order 23. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays a member is given 10 minutes (the SO actually speaks of "the Speaker, after permitting, if he thinks fit, a brief explanatory statement...) to give reasons why the House should grant leave to bring in the bill. Actually leave is not needed to bring in a bill - SO 57 says "A member may, after notice, present a bill without previously obtaining leave from the House to bring in the same". This happens very early in the day's business - and can pass almost unnoticed - and that is the point about the 10 minute rule bill procedure. It is rarely used for serious legislating - instead it gives the member an opportunity for "prime time" coverage of the issue he or she wishes to raise. It occurs straight after Questions - and of course on a Wednesday, straight after PMQs (Prime Minister' Question Time). Many 10 minute rule bills get national publicity earlier in the day.
Ms Laing's purpose was to draw attention to the campaign for a holiday to celebrate the signing of the Magna Carta. I have to say that I can not be neutral on this issue. I strongly believe that in the UK we should give more attention to this important event and document in British history. I was the co-founder of a Facebook group as far back as 2007 - "Magna Carta Day!" - do please join!
This blog has frequently dealt with the Magna Carta and its significance
May 2011
June 2010
June 2007
Threats to Liberty
The Rule of Law
The request for leave and the subsequent First Reading can be watched at 01:01:30 onwards (you will need to move the slider to that point (although there's quite a bit to see beforehand - including a message from the Queen; PMQs; A point of order; and Introduction of a bill under the Art 57 procedure)
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