Experts discuss the effectiveness of the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011
4 September 2019
The House of Lords Constitution Committee holds its first evidence session on its new inquiry on the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011. The Committee hears from witnesses from Hull University, the Hansard Society, the Institute for Government and the Constitution Unit.
- Parliament TV: Fixed-term Parliaments Act
- Inquiry: Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011
- Select Committee on the Constitution
Background
The Committee's inquiry was launched to consider the operation and implications of the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011. It will explore how the Act has worked in practice, how the 14-day period following a successful no confidence motion would work in practice, the Act's effect on the concept of the House of Commons having 'confidence' in the Government, and what the consequences of repealing or amending the Act might be.
Witnesses
Wednesday 4 September in Committee Room 1, Palace of Westminster
At 10.30am
- Professor Lord Norton of Louth, Hull University
- Dr Ruth Fox, Director and Head of Research, Hansard Society
At 11.15am
- Professor Robert Hazell, Constitution Unit, University College London
- Dr Cath Haddon, Senior Fellow, Institute for Government
Possible questions
- To what extent has the Act led to a meaningful transfer of power from the Prime Minister to Parliament?
- What impact has the Act had on the notion of the House of Commons having "confidence" in Government?
- What obligation is the Government under to make time available in the House of Commons for a motion of no confidence?
- What constitutional and legal obligations is the Prime Minister under in the 14 days following a defeat in a no confidence motion?
- Should the Act be amended or repealed?
Further information
Image: PA