Unchecked Power?

How Recent Constitutional Reforms Are Threatening UK Democracy

Alison L. Young (University of Cambridge, UK)

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English

Bristol University Press
01 December 2023

Political structure & processes; Constitutional & administrative law; Government powers

Is the government really acting for the people? Or does this rhetoric simply justify an executive power-grab?

For some, Boris Johnson's premiership epitomised how far the UK's democracy has been captured by populism and the Prime Minister seemed more concerned about fulfilling the wishes of the British people than with following the rules or listening to Parliament.

Events like 'Partygate' grabbed the headlines. Criticisms of Boris Johnson's actions eventually led to his resignation and replacement as leader of his party and Prime Minister. Some feel that this shows that the UK's constitution is healthy, with checks and balances in place to prevent any possible abuse of power.

While these events attracted much media attention, other constitutional changes have been taking place with little public awareness. These have strengthened governmental powers and weakened political and legal checks over governmental actions. Deliberation is being replaced by rhetoric and principles of good government no longer seem to restrain the actions of those in power.

Alison Young provides the first consolidated account of these changes, arguing that the UK is currently on a constitutional cliff-edge which endangers democracy and good constitutional government. She argues that more is needed to shore up the UK's post-Brexit constitution to prevent it collapsing into a system of unchecked power.

'A brilliant and innovative account of the health of British constitutional democracy under the rule of Boris Johnson's Conservative government.' - Bojan Bugaric, University of Sheffield

By: Alison L. Young (University of Cambridge UK)
Imprint: Bristol University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Edition: Abridged edition
Dimensions: Height: 216mm, Width: 240mm,
ISBN: 9781529233001
ISBN 10: 1529233003
Pages: 256
Publication Date: 01 December 2023
Audience: Professional and scholarly , General/trade , Undergraduate , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: No Longer Our Product

Alison L. Young is Sir David Williams Professor of Public Law at the University of Cambridge, UK and an Academic Associate at 39 Essex Chambers. She has taught constitutional law at the University of Oxford and currently teaches at the University of Cambridge. She has appeared on BBC radio and television news broadcasts on constitutional issues, including on Law in Action, The Briefing Room, and Unreliable Evidence. She is a legal advisor to the House of Lords Select Committee on the Constitution and also regularly gives evidence to parliamentary committees on constitutional issues.

Reviews for Unchecked Power?: How Recent Constitutional Reforms Are Threatening UK Democracy

"""A powerful account of how the UK's custom-based and uncodified constitution has come under strain in recent years, "" LSE Review of Books ""A brilliant and innovative account of the health of British constitutional democracy under the rule of Boris Johnson's Conservative government."" Bojan Bugaric, University of Sheffield. ""Alison Young is a meticulous and objective chronicler of our constitution. When she says it's time to worry, we should take that seriously."" Meg Russell, Constitution Unit, UCL ""Alison Young understands constitutional law and practice and has a remarkable ability to communicate both the content and the importance of how we are governed."" Lord Pannick KC ""Invaluable. A balanced and illuminating analysis of critical contemporary developments to our constitutional arrangements."" The Rt Hon. the Lord Judge, Convenor of the Cross Bench Peers, 2019-2023 ""Liberal democracy means checks on the power of elected governments. Alison Young provides a salutary, timely and readable reminder of why this matters."" Anand Menon, UK in a Changing Europe ""An illuminating, insightful and timely account of the UK's post-Brexit constitutional problems - its special achievement is the way it captures and explores a number of important trends, connecting them while making them highly accessible to a wide audience."" Mike Gordon, University of Liverpool"