Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011

Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011 was a significant piece of legislation passed by the Parliament of the United Kingdom, with the aim of introducing fixed-term parliamentary terms and altering the way dissolutions of Parliament occur. The Act was sponsored by the Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, and received Royal Assent from Elizabeth II on September 15, 2011. This legislation was a key component of the Coalition Agreement between the Conservative Party and the Liberal Democrats, led by David Cameron and Nick Clegg, respectively. The Act's provisions were influenced by the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010, which was introduced by the previous Labour government, led by Gordon Brown.

Introduction

The Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011 introduced a significant change to the British constitutional framework, by establishing fixed-term parliamentary terms of five years. This reform was intended to promote stability and predictability in the parliamentary system, and to reduce the power of the Prime Minister to call a general election at their discretion. The Act's provisions were shaped by the experiences of previous Prime Ministers, such as Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, who had utilized their power to call elections at strategic moments. The legislation also drew on the expertise of constitutional reform experts, including Lord Falconer of Thoroton and Lord Norton of Louth.

Background

The Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011 was part of a broader package of constitutional reforms introduced by the Coalition Government, which included the Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Act 2011 and the House of Lords reform proposals. The Act's provisions were influenced by the Wright Committee's recommendations on House of Commons reform, which were published in 2009. The legislation also reflected the Liberal Democrats' long-standing commitment to electoral reform, as articulated by Nick Clegg and Simon Hughes. The Act's passage was supported by Labour MPs, including Harriet Harman and Jack Straw, who had previously advocated for similar reforms.

Provisions

The Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011 contained several key provisions, including the establishment of fixed-term parliamentary terms of five years, and the introduction of a new procedure for the dissolution of Parliament. The Act also provided for the calling of a general election if a motion of no confidence was passed by the House of Commons, or if a motion for an early general election was approved by a two-thirds majority. The legislation was influenced by the Canada Elections Act and the Australian Electoral Act 1918, which have similar provisions for fixed-term parliamentary terms. The Act's provisions were also shaped by the experiences of other parliamentary systems, including the German Bundestag and the Italian Parliament.

Repeal

The Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011 was repealed by the Dissolution and Calling of Parliament Act 2022, which restored the Prime Minister's power to advise the Monarch to dissolve Parliament and call a general election. The repeal of the Act was supported by the Conservative Party, led by Boris Johnson, and was opposed by the Labour Party and the Liberal Democrats. The repeal was influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for greater flexibility in the parliamentary system. The legislation was also shaped by the experiences of other countries, including Australia and Canada, which have similar provisions for the dissolution of Parliament.

Impact

The Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011 had a significant impact on the British constitutional framework, and its provisions were the subject of considerable debate and controversy. The Act's introduction of fixed-term parliamentary terms was seen as a major reform, and its provisions were influenced by the experiences of other parliamentary systems, including the United States Congress and the European Parliament. The Act's repeal has also had significant implications for the parliamentary system, and has been the subject of commentary by constitutional reform experts, including Lord Sumption and Lord Lisvane. The legislation has also been studied by scholars of comparative politics, including Professor Vernon Bogdanor and Professor Peter Hennessy. Category:United Kingdom Acts of Parliament 2011