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Reforms passed under the labour goverment, 1997-2010 - Coggle Diagram
Reforms passed under the labour goverment, 1997-2010
Referendums on devolution in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland 1997/1998
Impact
-This was the first time since 1975 that referendums had been used.
-Turnout was high for the Scottish and Northern Irish referendums.
-An example of Direct democracy
Limitations
-The Welsh referendum had only limited turnout. -The government decided on the wording, timing and other logical issues.
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Scotland Act 1998
Impact
-Established Scottish Parliament at Holyrood with primary legislative powers and limited tax-varying powers.
-Created a more pluralist democracy, with power shared to the regions.
Limitations
-Did not quell nationalism in Scotland. -Created asymmetrical devolution between Scotland and Wales. -Challenged parliamentary sovereignty.
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House of Lords Act 1999
Impact
-Removed all but 92 hereditary peers from the House of Lords.
-Extended the number of life peers (first introduced in 1958), which increased the number of experts in the House of Lords.
-The House of Lords has become more willing to challenge the government.
Limitations
-Hereditary peers still remain, which is arguably the most undemocratic aspect of the House. However, all members are unelected.
-The reforms extended the power of the prime minister over who sits in the House of Lords.
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Human Rights Act
Impact
-Enshrined the European Covention on Human Rights into UK law, protecting rights in the UK.
-Allows neutral and independent judges to defend human rights, rather than being dependent on the ideology of the government in power.
Limitations
-This is only an Act of Parliament and therefore can be overturned by another Act of Parliament, therefore not adequately protecting rights.
-Gives too much power to unelected judges.