The New British Constitution - Hardcover

Bogdanor, Vernon

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1841131490 ISBN 13: 9781841131498

Publisher: Hart Publishing, 2009

Synopsis

The British constitution, long considered entrenched by tradition and history, has, since 1997, undergone a process unique in the democratic world: piecemeal transformation from uncodified to codified status. This process, spear-headed by the Human Rights Act and devolution to the non-English parts of the UK (at present there exists neither the political will nor the consensus to go further) has created a new constitution, characterized by the limitation of the powers of Parliament. The Human Rights Act and the devolution legislation, having the character of fundamental law, in practice limit the rights of Westminster as a sovereign parliament, and establish a constitution which is quasi-federal in nature. And though these reforms, together with Britain's membership of the EU, do little to secure more popular involvement in politics, they nevertheless serve to replace one constitution by another. The next phase of constitutional reform is likely to involve the creation of new forms of democratic engagement, so that Britain's constitutional forms come to be more congruent with the social and political forces of the age. The end-point of this piecemeal process might well be a fully codified or written constitution which declares that power stems not from the Queen-in-Parliament, but, instead, as so many constitutions do, from 'we the people.' This new book, by one of Britain's most respected and experienced constitutional commentators, charts the emergence and significance of these reforms, and evaluates their success as part of a larger historical shift towards the constitutionalizing of British democracy. While opinion is sharply divided as to the way forward, the author argues that former Prime Minister Tony Blair's most permanent legacy may well prove to be his championing of a new British constitution. Those seeking an authoritative insight into the state of that constitution need look no further. This eagerly awaited text - by Vernon Bogdanor, the UK's leading expert in this area - will be an invaluable source of information for scholars, students, politicians, journalists, and policy-makers.

About this title

From the Author:

Vernon Bogdanor was, until 2010, Professor of Government at Oxford University. He is now a Research Professor at King's College, London, Gresham Professor of Law, a Fellow of the British Academy and an Honorary Fellow of the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies.

Review:

In explaining how this new British constitution has emerged in the space of a political generation, Bogdanor is not only an insightful but also a congenial companion. His mastery of the subject is conveyed in a conversational style which makes the book a pleasure to read and for this reason The New British Constitution will appeal to the widest possible readership. I am reluctant to end a review of such a valuable book with a cliché but in this case it is warranted. It is a 'must read' for anyone interested in British politics. Arthur Aughey The Journal of Legislative Studies Volume 15, No. 4, 2009 This is a beautifully written book, the language as clear as the thinking, and it could not be more timely. The Economist 25th June 2009 This book is written with a vigorous clarity, with easy expertise and with quiet wit. Bogdanor is himself a part of the constitution, an unacknowledged legislator: the book is a revelation. More, it is a reproach to journalism, that we have not more clearly explained a great shift of the past decade. He has. John Lloyd The Financial Times 28th June 2009 .[Vernon Bogdanor] is well informed, subtle and immensely thorough. This is not just a book to read, it is one to keep on the shelf for reference. Anyone remotely interested in the constitution, including all the main party leaders, should certainly acquire a copy...The New British Constitution is a formidable and invaluable achievement. Anthony King Times Higher Education 13 August 2009 ...provides a fresh and reflective account of democratic change...despite the efforts of both Tony Blair and Gordon Brown public opinion polls and attitudinal surveys reveal declining levels of public trust in politicians and confidence in the political system. It is exactly in explaining, understanding and responding to this puzzle - major constitutional reform combined with the erosion of public support - that The New British Constitution provides a provocative and original answer. Matthew Flinders Vernon Bogdanor offers a fresh insight into the substantial, and still largely underappreciated, changes to the British constitution. He combines the approaches of the political historian, the constitutional lawyer and the political scientist to put the changes into a wider context. It is a must read for anyone interested in British politics. Peter Riddell, The Times This masterly survey charts the rise of the 'New' constitution and expertly explains both how it works and why it matters. Bogdanor is Dicey and Bagehot rolled into one for the twenty-first century Guy Lodge, Institute for Public Policy Research Vernon Bogdanor's The New British Constitution is a timely work.Bogdanor has set himself an ambitious target in writing this book; he is inviting comparison with the great late Victorian analysts - and advocates - of the old constitution of untrammelled parliamentary sovereignty, Bagehot and Dicey. He is worthy of the comparison. The book is an illuminating guide to quite how much of what we used to know about the British constitution has ceased to be applicable in a comparatively short time...One of Bogdanor's similarities with Bagehot (although he is a better scholar by far) is that he writes with an unusual clarity. Lewis Baston Progress 24th July 2009 The British Constitution is a mysterious, ramshackle and amorphous beast. Because much of it has never been written down, some people even claim that it doesn't exist. But in hunting this Snark through the thickets of legislation and tradition, there can be no more doughty guide than Vernon Bogdanor.[a] timely and indeed prescient book. Alison Thomas Public Servant July 2009 If David Cameron becomes Prime Minister... he should read the thoughts of the Oxford tutor who explained it all to him when he was a student twenty years ago. The Times Literary Supplement September 2nd 2009 The scholarship and clarity is impressive.You will look long and hard for as complete a résumé of what has been done... as an analysis of changes which may or may not have a direction but which have certainly changed Bagehot's settlement, this is an important book. Total Politics September 2009 ...this work provides a thorough dissection of contemporary political and constitutional issues that merit careful consideration...the book will interest scholars in the field of British constitutional history: past, present, and future. Richard A. Cosgrove The Law and Politics Book Review Vol 19, Issue 10, October 2009 Bogdanor's book provides a fascinating insight into the constitution that many of us may have thought we didn't have. What makes it successful is Bogdanor's easy ability to make these issues interesting, real and relevant.The clarity Bogdanor brings to the UK's current constitutional halfway house will, for many, be a political and social revelation. The New British Constitution also undoubtedly provides a strong basis for discussion of future change. Simon Moore Public Service Magazine Autumn 2009 The New British Constitution is written with the rare combination of erudition and elegance that places it firmly in the tradition of Dicey and Bagehot. After four decades of observing and writing about constitutional affairs, Bogdanor has become part of the constitutional furniture. Baroness Helena Kennedy QC once noted that "laws are the autobiography of the nation." If so, then they have a fine biographer in Professor Bogdanor. Thom Dyke, Pupil Barrister, Hardwicke Building Judicial Review 2009 ...this is an impressive work which informed and interested people on both sides of the Atlantic should read with care, because it will give them a greater understanding of the issues now facing the united Kingdom as it faces up to a major systemic crisis in her politics and government. Harold Elcock The British Politics Group Quarterly No 138 Vernon Bogdanor is one of our most astute commentators on constitutional issues. From the discipline of government, he fully engages in legal matters and brings a freshness to public law. This book is written with admirable clarity and is unusually accessible to expert and layman. It is also one of the few works that seek to make sense of contemporary developments in the context of our constitutional history. This book has already received deservedly wide attention and will continue to do so. Jeffrey Jowell Public Law July 2010 Bogdanor's background as a political scientist shows in the keen insight he brings into the interplay of politics with constitutional principle that colour the context within which the constitutional reforms he discusses take place. His conclusions are bold and ... this is a compelling book on a topical subject. Yvonne Tew Cambridge Law Journal Volume 69, Part 2 Vernon Bogdanor is an acknowledged expert in political science and constitutional law. He also writes very well in a style which engages the reader. He offers fresh insights into both the changes which have taken place since 1997 and into the unknown future. The New British Constitution will be of value to everyone with an interest in politics or public law and is highly recommended. Jean McFadden SCOLAG Legal Journal Issue 394, August 2010 Bogdanor...magisterially lays out the formal-legal details of recent constitutional change in Britain that lead him to see a "new British constitution" in the making... he does that with admirable clarity and precision. It is a must-read for anyone concerned with the constitutional ferment in Britain. E. A. Goerner The Journal of the Review of Politics Volume 73

About this edition

• Publisher: Hart Publishing
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 1841131490
• ISBN 13: 9781841131498
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 334