Monthly Archives: October 2015

Rideau Hall Reveals Arrangements For Swearing In The Trudeau Ministry

Posted on October 30, 2015 by jasonloch

Rideau Hall has finally thrown off the cone of silence. The Governor General’s website now has a page devoted to the swearing-in of the Trudeau Ministry, and it’s actually quite impressive. It features handy flowchart that outlines how the event will unfold as well as … Continue reading →

Posted in Canada | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Rideau Hall Reveals Arrangements For Swearing In The Trudeau Ministry

Why Is There So Much Mystery Surrounding Stephen Harper’s Resignation?

Posted on October 30, 2015 by jasonloch

There has been a curious silence surrounding Stephen Harper’s forthcoming resignation as Prime Minister of Canada. Although Justin Trudeau quickly announced that his new Cabinet would be sworn in on November 4, Rideau Hall has kept mum about the transition of power. Two … Continue reading →

Posted in Canada | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Why Is There So Much Mystery Surrounding Stephen Harper’s Resignation?

What Will The Government Do To The House Of Lords?

Posted on October 28, 2015 by jasonloch

Downing Street has announced that Lord Strathclyde, a former Leader of the House of Lords, will lead a review of the conventions surrounding the House of Lords with a view to “protect[ing] the ability of elected governments to secure their … Continue reading →

Posted in British Parliament | Tagged , , | Comments Off on What Will The Government Do To The House Of Lords?

A Curious Claim About Royal Assent

Posted on October 27, 2015 by jasonloch

I came across a truly puzzling claim in David Rogers’ new book about the Privy Council: At perhaps the most mundane and perfunctory level, every time a Bill completes its passage through the Houses of Parliament…it cannot become law as an … Continue reading →

Posted in British Constitution | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on A Curious Claim About Royal Assent

Peers Vote To Delay Tax Credit Cuts

Posted on October 26, 2015 by jasonloch

Despite the Government’s dire talk of a constitutional crisis, the House of Lords voted to delay the implementation of the tax credit cuts until Ministers take steps to soften the blow for low-income individuals. Today’s debate was an example of the House at … Continue reading →

Posted in British Parliament | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

More Thoughts On The House Of Lords And Tax Credits

Posted on October 26, 2015 by jasonloch

During the House of Lords’ debate on the Government’s tax credit cuts, Lord Mackay of Clashfern attempted to argue away peers’ role in approving regulations under the Tax Credits Act 2002. He claimed that this is essentially a matter of courtesy, and he drew an … Continue reading →

Posted in British Parliament | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on More Thoughts On The House Of Lords And Tax Credits

The House Of Lords And Statutory Instruments

Posted on October 23, 2015 by jasonloch

I’ve been asked to explain how the House of Lords can reject the Government’s program of tax credit cuts when it hasn’t been able veto legislation since 1911. The answer lies in the distinction between primary and secondary legislation. The term ‘primary legislation’ … Continue reading →

Posted in British Parliament | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

The Government, The House Of Lords, And The Tax Credit Cuts

Posted on October 21, 2015 by jasonloch

The Huffington Post UK recently claimed that the Government may ‘suspend’ the House of Lords if peers vote against George Osborne’s tax credit cuts next week. According to an anonymous Government insider, “one option is to simply suspend the Lords’ entire business, and … Continue reading →

Posted in British Parliament | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

The BBC Thinks The Canadian Prime Minister Is Elected By Parliament

Posted on October 8, 2015 by jasonloch

When reading a piece by the BBC’s Anthony Zurcher about Canada’s forthcoming General Election, I came across a curious statement: Canada’s prime minister is chosen by a majority vote in Parliament, either by one party or through a coalition. Um, no. That’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Canadian Constitution | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on The BBC Thinks The Canadian Prime Minister Is Elected By Parliament

Jeremy Corbyn And The Privy Council (Again)

Posted on October 8, 2015 by jasonloch

The saga/farce of Jeremy Corbyn and the Privy Council continues. The Daily Telegraph have been working themselves into a lather over his alleged refusal to be sworn in as a Privy Counsellor. Corbyn was expected to take the oath at today’s meeting, but he declined … Continue reading →

Posted in British Constitution | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Jeremy Corbyn And The Privy Council (Again)