Source · Select Committees · Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Recommendation 2
2
Paragraph: 18
It is clear that the Act has shifted the balance of power from the executive...
Conclusion
It is clear that the Act has shifted the balance of power from the executive to the legislature. It is less clear if the right balance of power has yet been struck. While there should not be a return to the Executive dominance of election calling, careful consideration needs to be given for how the power of early election calling is balanced between the Executive and the Legislature.
Paragraph Reference:
18
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government’s draft Bill, which has been published for pre-legislative scrutiny, will repeal the FTPA and revive the prerogative powers relating to the dissolution of Parliament (and the calling of a new Parliament) that existed before the FTPA. The Bill will therefore deliver a return to the tried and tested system where the Prime Minister is able, at a time of their choosing, to seek an early dissolution of Parliament and designate an issue as a matter of confidence in order to break a political deadlock. Considering the problems caused by the FTPA in the last Parliament, it is the Government’s view that this system, without a vote on the floor of the House, ensures the effective and efficient operation of our democracy. Once the FTPA is repealed and the prerogative power to dissolve Parliament is revived, the House of Commons will continue to play a key role in our constitutional system because it is a long-standing principle that the Prime Minister must be able to command the confidence of the House of Commons.