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EVENTS

Constitutional Reform in the UK: A Conference on the Brown Commission Report (Part Two)

Date: 1st March 2024

Time: 09.00 - 17.00 (UK time)

Venue: BIICL, Charles Clore House, 17 Russell Sq London WC1B 5JP

   

Conference Details

At the end of 2022, the Brown Commission published its final report, 'A New Britain: Renewing our Democracy and Rebuilding our Economy: Report of the Commission on the UK's Future'.rt of the Commission on the UK's Future'.

Part One of the Conference took place at the Bonavero Institute of Human Rights, University of Oxford on 5 May 2023. Three panels considered (i) the process of constitutional change; (ii) second chamber and electoral system reform; and (iii) ethics, integrity and fourth branch (guarantor) institutions.

In this, Part Two of the Conference, panellists will consider (i) devolution; (ii) decentralisation and localism; and (iii) social rights.

Part Two of the Conference is hosted by the Bingham Centre for the Rule of Law in partnership with the Bonavero Institute of Human Rights, LSE Law School, UCL Faculty of Laws, and the British & Irish Chapter of the International Society of Public Law.

The conference is convened by Prof Jeff King, Lucy Moxham, Prof Kate O'Regan, Prof Tarun Khaitan and Prof Jo Murkens.

Pricing and Registration

This event is open to invited guest only. 

Contact the Events Team about this conference.

Panel One: "Devolution, the Constitution and the Union"

This panel will explore the impact of the Brown Commission's proposals for "stronger self-government and fuller shared government" on both the devolved nations and the UK's Constitution. The Brown Commission report sets out the need for cooperation across the UK even on devolved matters and the importance of the UK's shared institutions. It also makes a number of proposals to strengthen and protect devolution in Scotland and Wales, and to enhance powers of the devolved institutions in those nations. The stated priority as regards Northern Ireland is to restore and strengthen devolved government in Belfast. Panellists are invited to consider the report's proposals and, in particular, mechanisms for inter-governmental relations, both bilateral and multilateral. The report also recommends that consideration be given to establishing new forms of local and regional leadership, particularly in Scotland, and panellists are encouraged to discuss the relationship between devolution and decentralisation.

Panel Two: "Decentralisation and Localism in the UK"

The Brown Commission report sets out plans to "spread power and authority across the country and to the towns, cities and regions of England". The report discusses various components of devolution in England and emphasises the need for partnerships between local, regional and national participants. It also notes the need to put in place arrangements for scrutiny and accountability to accompany increased powers. Panellists are invited to consider the report's proposals, and how they relate to devolution in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and to politics in Westminster. In this regard, panellists are encouraged to discuss the proposal for a new mechanism called "Special Local Legislation" to initiate local legislation in Parliament, as well as plans for "double devolution" to increase community involvement in local decision-making and services.

Panel Three: "Institutional Modes of Protection and Fulfilment of Social Rights"

The Brown Commission report recommends that there should be "new, constitutionally protected social rights" that "reflect the current shared understanding of the minimum standards and public services that a British citizen should be guaranteed". In particular, the report proposes four new social rights in the areas of health, schooling, poverty and housing. This panel will consider the legal form and justiciability of these social rights, as well as other forms of institutional engagement with such rights. Panellists are encouraged to consider how these social rights might be protected within the British Constitution, including as regards the devolved nations, and the institutional mechanisms for delivering and implementing such rights.

CPD Information

This event offers the equivalent of 6 CPD hours.

Contact

If you have any queries, please contact the Events team

Event Recording

Please note that our events may be photographed or recorded. These materials will be used for internal and external promotional purposes only by the British Institute of International and Comparative Law. If you object to appearing in recordings or photographs, please contact The Event Team to let us know ahead of the event.

Event Cancellation Policy

When you register for an event you will be asked to confirm that you have read and understood our cancellation policy.

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