Draft Codified British Constitution

22 February 2025

What might a Codified British Constitution look like?

Here’s a possible draft.

Preamble This Constitution establishes the legal and institutional framework for the United Kingdom, ensuring the sovereignty of the nation, the rights of its people, and the accountability of its government. It affirms the principles of democracy, national identity, and governance while maintaining the constitutional monarchy and the rule of law.

Part I: National Sovereignty and Identity

  1. The United Kingdom is a sovereign nation-state, governed by its own laws without external interference.
  2. The English language is the official language of the United Kingdom, with protections in place for regional languages and cultures.
  3. National identity, sovereignty, and cultural values shall be safeguarded to preserve the British way of life.
  4. The Monarch is the Head of State and retains constitutional authority, including a veto on changes to fundamental rights, which shall trigger a public referendum.

Part II: The Role of Government

  1. The government shall be a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system.
  2. Parliament shall remain the supreme legislative body, with the authority to make, amend, and repeal laws, subject to constitutional provisions.
  3. The Prime Minister and Cabinet shall be accountable to Parliament and the electorate.
  4. The Supreme Court shall have the authority to review laws and make recommendations but cannot override Parliament’s sovereignty.
  5. Any alleged constitutional deviations by Parliament must be addressed under the law, with necessary amendments subject to referendum.

Part III: Checks and Balances

  1. Emergency powers, including those concerning national security, pandemics, or crises, require parliamentary approval unless immediate action is necessary.
  2. In urgent situations, the government may enact emergency measures, but these shall be subject to post-event parliamentary scrutiny.
  3. Public referenda may be triggered on major governmental actions, including large-scale public spending projects and substantial tax changes.
  4. Citizens may petition for referenda or early elections if Parliament is deemed to be acting against constitutional principles, requiring 60% public support to proceed.

Part IV: Financial Oversight and Fiscal Responsibility

  1. Government borrowing shall be subject to flexible constraints, set periodically, with accountability for meeting these targets.
  2. Quantitative Easing is prohibited.
  3. An independent Department of Government Efficiency shall oversee borrowing compliance, audit public spending, and identify waste.
  4. This department shall publish findings and recommendations but shall not have enforcement powers.
  5. Governments shall be judged on fiscal performance by the public in general elections.

Part V: Transparency and Public Accountability

  1. All major government projects shall require justification, including return on investment metrics, and shall be independently verified.
  2. The public shall have access to accountability reports at appropriate intervals, with oversight mechanisms introduced as necessary.
  3. Governments failing to meet reporting requirements or withholding information shall be held accountable through public disclosure.
  4. An enhanced Freedom of Information system shall place stronger obligations on the government to provide requested information, with exemptions for national security and personal data protection.
  5. A formal appeals process for denied FOI requests shall be established, overseen by an independent review body or judicial authority.

Part VI: Local Governance and Administrative Structures

  1. Devolution shall be repealed, returning to a system of county and district councils.
  2. Local governance shall function as a hierarchical structure at the county level to ensure clear accountability and eliminate inefficiencies.
  3. Local government spending above a specified threshold shall require public consultation and referendum.
  4. Similar safeguards shall apply at the national level to prevent sudden tax increases and promote prudent financial management.

Part VII: Constitutional Amendments

  1. Constitutional amendments shall require a supermajority of 60% in Parliament.
  2. Changes to fundamental rights shall be subject to a public referendum if vetoed by the Monarch.
  3. Any proposed restructuring of national governance, taxation mechanisms, or major public spending policies shall require public approval.

Conclusion This Constitution is established to provide clarity, stability, and accountability in governance, ensuring the protection of British sovereignty, democratic principles, and the rights of its citizens. It is designed to safeguard national identity, fiscal responsibility, and transparency while maintaining a functional and adaptable government for future generations.