Does the UK have a constitution? When did that happen?

Question

The latest usage is the opinion that the Army Gen. Richard Dannatt's remarks about the viabiity of continuing the use of UK troops in Iraq is "unconstitutional" - according to David Blunkett.

Setting aside the pros and cons of being in Iraq in the first place, where is the "constitution" to which Mr. Blunkett refers?

Answer 1

The Uk does not have a formal constitution - unlike republics such as the US - but the way that the balance of power between the judiciary, (law enforcers) and government (law makers) and the people has grown over the years has been determined by case law - and is generically known as public or administrative law. There are basic tenents which are followed - even though not set out in a specific constitution - such as the right to a fair trial, and the right to receive reasons for decisions by public bodies. Mr Blunkett is referring to consitutional law generally - obviously the point is up for discussion.

Answer 2

UK Constitution..............
unwritten; partly statutes, partly common law and practice..........

The Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (2005 c. 4) is an Act of Parliament passed by the Parliament of the United Kingdom in 2005. It provides for a Supreme Court of the United Kingdom to take over the existing role of the Law Lords and some powers of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, and remove the functions of Speaker of the House of Lords and Head of the Judiciary of England and Wales from the office of Lord Chancellor.?????????? With an unwritten Constitution,how can you have a Constitutional Reform Act??????

Answer 3

The constitution of the UK is uncodified - meaning it is found in lots of different sources as opposed to the USA which has a codified constitution all in one document.

The sources of the UK constitution (if i remember correctly) are common law, various acts of parliament, some standard books, the EU charter of human rights and a couple of other things that I can't remember.

Answer 4

Richard Dannatt's decision to pass comment on Foreign Policy was contrary to the code of conduct for serving military officers. He has also embarrassed the Prime Minister and I suspect he will be pensioned off very shortly (even though he was right).

Answer 5

YES they do since 1066 AD ,it was by king William 1

Answer 6

Good question. But you never know with politicians, maybe they drafted and approved one without telling the nation. Who knows?

Answer 7

looks like we do have one

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_constitutional_law

Answer 8

No it doesn't.