UK Constitutional Law Association

Tag: Monarchy

  • Luke Beck: Scottish Independence and Australia

    What effect might Scottish independence might have on Australia’s constitutional arrangements? This might seem like an odd question but there has been a suggestion in Australia that there might be a profound effect. Macquarie University’s Iain Stewart is reported by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation as recently saying that Scottish independence ‘could remove [Australia’s] head of…

  • Nick Barber: Can Royal Assent Be Refused on the Advice of the Prime Minister?

    There is a very good article in the most recent edition of the Law Quarterly Review.  It is by Rodney Brazier, and is concerned with the nature and mechanics of royal assent.  It is a fascinating read, and, as with all Brazier’s work, characterised by a dry wit.  There is, however, one claim, made almost…

  • Nick Barber: The Constitutional Inheritance of the Royal Baby: A Speculation.

    It might be thought that there would be little need for a post on this blog about the arrival of the royal baby.  The new Prince of Cambridge – Your Highness, to his friends – is unlikely to play a significant constitutional role for sometime to come.  I found myself wondering, though, what the constitutional…

  • Robert Hazell: The Royal baby, the Rules of Succession, and the Realms

    In anticipation of the birth of the Royal baby, Parliament passed the Succession to the Crown Act in April 2013.  It provides that in future the eldest child will be next in line of succession, whether it is a girl or a boy.  The law will not come into force in time for the Royal…

  • Tom Adams: Royal Consent and Hidden Power

    The requirement of Royal Assent for bills which have passed through our democratic institutions is well known. Those amongst us who favour the constitutional monarch remind others that it is a power only in the symbolic sense: assent has not been refused since the reign of Queen Anne. And those amongst us who prefer our…

  • Roger Masterman: The Prince, the Attorney-General, the Section 53 Certificate and the pretence of political neutrality

    The Freedom of Information Act, which came into force on 1 January 2005, provides under s.53 for a power of ministerial veto.  Section 53(2) provides that: ‘[a] decision notice or enforcement notice … shall cease to have effect if, not later than the twentieth working day following the effective date, the accountable person in relation…

  • Hayley J. Hooper: Keep Calm and Carry On?

    ON SEPTEMBER 18, 2012 the Upper Tribunal allowed an appeal, reversing decisions of the Information Commissioner relating to the release of “advocacy correspondence” between Prince Charles in his capacity as Heir to the Throne, and seven government departments. The information was originally requested by Guardian journalist Rob Evans and related to a time period between…

  • Robert Hazell: Royal Wedding: congratulations, or commiserations?

    While we must all be happy for Prince William and Kate Middleton on their wedding day, we must also be aware of the heavy burdens which will be thrust upon them. Prince William was born into the Royal family and had no choice; but for Kate there was a choice.  She could have remained a…