Gordon Brown: the proposals are aimed at re-establishing public trust in politicians
Posted on 07/03/2007 8:30:38 AM PDT by Stoat
Gordon Brown: the proposals are aimed at re-establishing public trust in politicians
Gordon Brown was expected to surrender the Prime Minister's centuries-old power to declare war today, in a move aimed at establishing greater trust in politicians.
Mr Brown was this afternoon set to announce that decisions on whether or not to send troops into battle will always be taken by Parliamentary vote, in his first statement to the House of Commons since taking power.
The decision to go to war has for hundreds of years been a "Royal prerogative" power, which the Prime Minister could make if he wished without consulting Parliament.
In a move designed to re-establish public trust in politics and politicians, Mr Brown was also expected to announce the surrender of further powers to Parliament this afternoon. These are likely to include giving up the right for a Prime Minister to decide whether or not the Commons should be recalled during holidays. He is also expected to redistribute the power to make important public appointments to MPs.
It marks a clear break with the era of Tony Blair, who had rejected demands to relinquish the powers.
The Queen is thought to have been informed of the plans during her 55-minute audience with Mr Brown at Buckingham Palace last week. They were originally due to be announced yesterday, but were delayed due to the spate of attempted terror attacks and the unfolding police investigation.
The statement is also expected to contain some surprises. Mr Brown may also speak about the production of a basic Bill of Rights for UK citizens, codifying their existing entitlements, which is a plan he is long believed to have favoured.
Jack Straw, the Justice Secretary and Lord Chancellor, will be given Parliamentary responsibility for seeing through any legislation needed for the changes, it is believed. Mr Straw is believed to have long wanted a reform of the way Parliament operates.
A consultation document to be launched by Mr Brown today is expected to propose:
* Transferring the power of the Prime Minister to appoint bishops and deans to the Church of England.
* Changing the law to ensure military action can only be taken only after explicit approval by Parliament.
* The introduction of American-style “confirmation hearings” by select committees of MPs for key public posts.
* Giving MPs the right to ratify international treaties and scrutinise the way honours are awarde.
* Allowing MPs to have the power to recall parliament during the recess if there is a national emergency.
Before addressing MPs at 3.30pm, Mr Brown this morning chaired the first of the new Tuesday Cabinet meetings at No 10. Previously the Cabinet met on a Thursday.
Ahead of the Prime Minister's Commons announcement, the Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell was expected to issue his own proposals for constitutional reform.
While Sir Menzies has rejected an offer for Liberal Democrats to join Mr Brown’s Government, he has held out the prospect of co-operation of constitutional issues.
BBC NEWS Politics Brown sets out reform proposals
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"Well, I suppose we shall ask Parliament for permission to intiate a military response."
"But, don't you see? London is gone! There is no parliament!"
"Well, in that case, I suggest we surrender."
well, dammit, I guess those car bombs DID work. At least that is how the muzzies will view it, now and forever. It is Spain II.
That’s a nice gift to the guys who just tried to blowup Mr. Brown’s fellow citizens.
ATTENTION ARGENTINA:
The Malvina’s (and it’s OIL) are yours for the taking....
I’m on a book right now regarding that, though it’s some time after the first Falklands War, and Argentina beat the crap out of the British colony on the islands and took it. I’ll put the title when I get home.
Leadership by committee, what a cluster...
Stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid....
Yup, goodbye, Brittan. I for one will mourn for the rapidly approaching demise of your once great nation. Sigh.
PS No nation that has fought war by committee (e.g., Parliment) has ever survived...
“Ap(peace)ment” in our time.
“Goodbye Britain”
Oh well, I guess we lasted 220 years longer than the USA which I believe adopted a similar policy in 1788....
The US seems to do ok despite the fact that you have a similar requirement to the one proposed here that a formal declaration of war can only be made by your legislature.
I mean, what *is* it, exactly, aside from it being mental disorder, that makes liberalism a complete and utter idiocy/death wish ?
Maybe they should just dissolve the position of Prime Minister and leave everything up to Parliament.
Heck, just turn their governing over to the UN and let it handle their affairs.
[/s]
Brown hails Bush's war (Great Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer delivers glowing endorsement)
(excerpt)
| CHANCELLOR Gordon Brown last night hailed US President George W Bush for leading the war on terror — and the invasion of Iraq. Speaking in New York, he applauded the world’s biggest economy for bouncing back after the September 11 catastrophe. And in a speech which will surprise the Labour left, he said the USA deserved thanks for leading the fight against terror. He said: “In Iraq, Afghanistan and round the world I can assure you that Tony Blair and I are determined this alliance endures, prospers and advances from strength to strength. “Let me acknowledge the debt the world owes to the US for your leadership, not just in the world economy but in the fight against international terrorism. “Three years after September 11, I am deeply impressed by the resilience and bravery in the face of tragedy. “Indeed, America has shown by the actions of all its people that while buildings can be destroyed, values are indestructible. “While lives have been put at risk, the cause of liberty never dies. And while hearts may be broken, your faith in the future is unbreakable.” |
Complete idiocy. Britain, someday we will have to save you once again.
Absurd.
Encourage your enemies and discourage action.
“Complete idiocy. Britain, someday we will have to save you once again.”
But you’ll have to wait for your Congress to declare war for you first!
Did he or didn't he?
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