header-logo header-logo

Crisis? What crisis?

28 March 2019 / David Greene
Issue: 7834 / Categories: Opinion , Brexit , Constitutional law
printer mail-detail

David Greene lays out the (possible) next steps for Brexit, democracy & the country


We are, no doubt, in a political crisis. One doesn’t need to have taken sides in the debate to conclude to that effect. This process, which has taken a fresh step of indicative votes, has put under the microscope the relationship between the executive and Parliament, having earlier examined the relationship between the government and the judiciary in the Article 50 litigation. The Westminster model which has replicas in many countries, even down to the physical construction of the debating chamber, has broken down. Does it remain fit for purpose?

The UK version of the Westminster model of governance and democracy retains at its heart the foundation stone of elections based on first past the post. This, its advocates say, produces strong governments based on party politics that are in the position to put into effect their manifesto. With a good majority the government can push through its legislative programme as promised to the electorate. It is more difficult when

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Hugh James—Phil Edwards

Hugh James—Phil Edwards

Serious injury teambolstered by high-profile partner hire

Freeths—Melanie Stancliffe

Freeths—Melanie Stancliffe

Firm strengthens employment team with partner hire

DAC Beachcroft—Tim Barr

DAC Beachcroft—Tim Barr

Lawyers’ liability practice strengthened with partner appointment in London

NEWS
David Lammy, Ellie Reeves and Baroness Levitt have taken up office at the Ministry of Justice, following the cabinet reshuffle
Delays and dysfunction continue to mount in the county court, as revealed in a scathing Justice Committee report and under discussion this week by NLJ columnist Professor Dominic Regan of City Law School. Bulk claims—especially from private parking firms—are overwhelming the system, with 8,000 cases filed weekly
The Court of Protection has ruled in Macpherson v Sunderland City Council that capacity must be presumed unless clearly rebutted. In this week's NLJ, Sam Karim KC and Sophie Hurst of Kings Chambers dissect the judgment and set out practical guidance for advisers faced with issues relating to retrospective capacity and/or assessments without an examination
Lawyers can no longer afford to ignore the metaverse, says Jacqueline Watts of Allin1 Advisory in this week's NLJ. Far from being a passing tech fad, virtual platforms like Roblox host thriving economies and social interactions, raising real legal issues
From oligarchs to cosmetic clinics, strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) target journalists, activists and ordinary citizens with intimidating legal tactics. Writing in NLJ this week, Sadie Whittam of Lancaster University explores the weaponisation of litigation to silence critics
back-to-top-scroll