The Morecambe & Lunesdale MP David Morris has helped launch one of the most important consultations in the UK’s political history.
On Thursday, not far away from where the original Magna Carta documents are kept at the British Library, Morecambe & Lunesdale MP David Morris stood with leading academics and Parliamentarians to launch a consultation about a UK Written Constitution.
The timing is perfect because next year is an important year marking the 800th anniversary of King John signing the Magna Carta at Runnymede in 1215.
The Magna Carta, or Great Charter was a collection of documents which transferred power from the King to Parliament although at that time there was not a House of Commons and House of Lords as we now know them. Significantly it gave Parliament the ability to make new laws.
Although the UK does have a constitution, our constitution is founded on Acts of Parliament and so-called conventions but there is not a codified or written constitution.
David sits on the important Political and Constitutional Reform Committee which is the committee charged with the task of considering UK constitutional reform. If a written constitution is implemented, it would change the whole political system and constitutional principles in the UK.
The committee is working with Kings College, there are currently three proposals under consideration: a constitutional code which would have no legal force, a Constitutional Consolidation Act which would consolidate existing Constitutional laws in one place and the third option a full written constitution.
Speaking from the British Library David Morris said:
“The question of a written constitution is one that has occupied the time of many professors of constitutional law.”
“Historically, Magna Carta is an extremely important document and I would urge everyone to participate in this debate which will have massive political ramifications in the future. It is essentially consulting on our political future.”
Those wishing to participate in the consultation can take a look at the Select Committee website. http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/political-and-constitutional-reform-committee/inquiries/parliament-2010/consultation-new-magna-carta/commons-written-submission-form/