David Cameron has set up a new Democracy Task Force to review the traditional powers of the Prime Minister, and make proposals designed to enhance the power of Parliament, and restore public trust in democracy.
The Task Force, to be headed by former Chancellor Kenneth Clarke, will consider whether the centuries-old power of the Royal Prerogative, which is used by ministers to declare war, sign international treaties, and make public appointments, should be reformed to ensure that MPs are consulted first.
And Mr Clarke’s team - which will include former Cabinet Secretary Lord Butler, and other experts inside and outside the Conservative Party - will also consider measures needed to revive the integrity and independence of the civil service, improve the workings of government, and address growing apathy and alienation with the political process.
Announcing the move, Mr Cameron declared: “One of the factors causing disillusionment with politics is the decline in the status and power of Parliament. Restoring trust in politics means restoring trust in Parliament – and one way to do that is to enhance the role of Parliament in scrutinising the Government’s decisions.”
He stated: “In a number of important areas – going to war, and agreeing international treaties – there’s no formal mechanism for consulting the nation’s elected representatives. In other areas, like making senior appointments and re-organising government departments – the Prime Minister is able to do what he wants without consulting Parliament at all.”
The Task Force will focus on four particular areas, and consider an enhanced Parliamentary role in the commitment of troops overseas, and declaring and making war; making and ratifying international treaties, including EU treaties; scrutinising and approving major public appointments, including oversight of the honours system; and approving major changes to the structure and organisation of government.
Another area facing review includes the process for recalling Parliament, a prerogative power which currently rests with the Speaker but can only be exercised on the initiative of ministers. However, the Task Force will not consider the personal powers of the Monarch, including the right to dissolve Parliament or appoint the Prime Minister.
Mr Cameron explained: “We Conservatives are not interested in constitutional tinkering or change for change’s sake. But we are passionately committed to preserving and enhancing the integrity of the institutions that make this country great and which guarantee our most precious British birthright: freedom under the rule of law.
“Strengthening accountability for the long term and restoring trust in politics will be a central part of our programme to make the Conservative Party a voice for change, optimism, and hope in our country. If elected, I am determined to lead this country as a democratically accountable Prime Minister, and to abandon the personal, Presidential style that has taken hold under New Labour.”
Read the full speech
Find out more about the Task Force