1. L2.13: Constitutional Reform 2
The coalition agreement on constitutional reform
The following information is available to download from L2.12 as a handout for students to read
through. (Coalition article)
Parliamentary reform:
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A move to 5 year fixed term parliaments an roughly equal electoral districts
Recall of MPs where 10% of constituents call for a ballot
State funding for all-party ‘primary elections’ in seats that have not changed hands for some
time.
A commitment to implement the proposals of the Wright Committee in full
A new upper chamber, to be wholly or mainly elected under a PR system.
Electoral reform
● A Referendum Bill to authorise a public vote on the adoption of the AV system for use in
elections to the Westminster Parliament.
Democracy and Participation
● Measures gaining the support of a petition of 100,000 voters to become eligible for debate
in parliament.
● The petition carrying the largest number of signatures to be tabled as a bill.
● A new ‘public reading stage’ for bills, allowing the members of the general public to
comment on bills online.
● Residents given the power to initiate local referendums on any local issue.
● Voters to be given the power to veto excessive Council Tax rises.
Devolution
● Implement the recommendations of the Calman Commission in Scotland
● Hold a referendum on further devolution in Wales
● Review the basis of devolution funding
● A commission to investigate the West Lothian Question