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  BREAKING NEWS
Constitution Committee war powers inquiry

On 11 August 2005 the House of Lords Constitution Committee announced 'an inquiry on the use of the royal prerogative power by Government to deploy the UK's armed forces'.
Read more >> [External link]

The current constitutional position is that the executive – and in particular the Prime Minister – is able to make decisions over engaging in military conflict without the need for formal parliamentary approval. Democratic Audit produced a submission arguing that this Royal Prerogative power should be placed on a statutory basis, with votes required in the legislature.

'Parliamentary Approval for Making War', a paper by Andrew Blick, Paul Hunt and Stuart Weir.
To read paper click here >> [35k/pdf]

Professor Stuart Weir and Dr. Andrew Blick appeared in front of the Committee on 8 February 2006.
Read more >> [External link]

After the session at the request of the Committee they submitted an Additional Statement. They re-iterated their concern that, though its reform was essential, the 'war power' should not be detached from the other royal prerogatives, all of which require democratisation. They provided a more detailed description of their proposal for a parliamentary committee of both Houses to oversee international affairs, including matters of war and peace.

Submission to the House of Lords Constitution Committee Additional Statement
To read paper click here >> [100k/pdf]

Related Links
Counter terrorism laws, human rights and multi-culturalism
Parliamentary oversight of foreign policy
People want a say in foreign policy- see our opinion poll
Carne Ross, a former FCO official, speaks out
The attempt to curb the government's war-making powers
The roots of the BNP's appeal
Democratic Audit Human Rights Centre