Constitutional reform since 1997
Constitutional reform since 1997 - sentence stems
6 point and counter pairs, one per theme. The opening lines that lock a balanced paragraph.
How to use these. Each pair is the opening line for a balanced paragraph - a Point and a Counter on the same theme. Read both halves aloud, then cover one side and recall it. Every body paragraph should carry both before its interim judgement.
Improved democracy
Point - the case for
Devolution (1998) supports this: Brought decisions closer to voters in three nations - with referendum consent each time.
Counter - the case against
But Constitutional Reform Act (2005) cuts the other way: Indirect - a structural reform voters barely noticed.
Dispersed power
Point - the case for
Constitutional Reform Act (2005) supports this: Judicial independence separated from executive and legislature.
Counter - the case against
But FTPA (2011-2022) cuts the other way: Took dissolution from the PM, then gave it back (2022).
Strengthened rights
Point - the case for
Human Rights Act (1998) supports this: The central rights reform of the era.
Counter - the case against
But Constitutional Reform Act (2005) cuts the other way: Not directly a rights measure.
Modernised institutions
Point - the case for
Constitutional Reform Act (2005) supports this: Supreme Court, appointments commission, the triple role ended.
Counter - the case against
But FTPA (2011-2022) cuts the other way: A modernisation that failed on contact with events.
Completed
Point - the case for
FTPA (2011-2022) supports this: In one sense: repealed - the experiment ended cleanly.
Counter - the case against
But Human Rights Act (1998) cuts the other way: Permanently contested - repeal attempted 2022, disapplied in part 2024.
Created new problems
Point - the case for
Human Rights Act (1998) supports this: Set up the courts-against-Parliament argument that ran to the Rwanda Act.
Counter - the case against
But Labour programme (2024-) cuts the other way: Too early to say.