Overview

The Constitutional Renewal Bill aims to reform several aspects of UK governance, including strengthening the independence of the Attorney General, reforming treaty ratification processes, establishing a new Civil Service Commission, introducing fixed-term Parliaments, and enhancing the conduct codes for parliamentarians.

Description

This bill encompasses wide-ranging reforms. Part 1 repeals regulations on demonstrations near Parliament. Part 2 significantly alters the Attorney General's role, removing their membership of Parliament, mandating independent action, and requiring publication of advice given to Ministers (with exceptions for inter-Ministerial communications). It also establishes a protocol for the Attorney General's relationship with the Directors of Public Prosecutions, Serious Fraud Office, and Revenue & Customs Prosecutions, defines their tenures, and reduces the Attorney General's power to intervene in individual cases, with exceptions for national security concerns. Part 3 requires treaties to be laid before Parliament before ratification, establishing a Treaties Committee to review them. It also mandates Parliamentary approval before military action. Part 4 establishes a new Civil Service Commission, outlining its powers regarding appointments and codes of conduct for civil servants and special advisors. Part 5 introduces fixed-term Parliaments and a Citizens' Assembly to review the electoral system. Finally, Part 6 introduces new codes of conduct and procedures for handling complaints against members of both Houses of Parliament.

Government Spending

The bill's impact on government spending is not explicitly detailed, but it is likely to increase costs associated with the new Civil Service Commission, the Treaties Committee, and enhanced oversight mechanisms. Conversely, it may reduce some costs associated with existing practices.

Groups Affected

• Attorney General and Solicitors General: Loss of parliamentary seats and enhanced independence requirements.
• Directors of Public Prosecutions, Serious Fraud Office, and Revenue & Customs Prosecutions: Changes to their appointment and tenure.
• Ministers of the Crown: Required to publish legal advice from the Attorney General (with caveats).
• Parliamentarians: New codes of conduct and procedures for handling complaints.
• Civil Servants: Establishment of a new commission to oversee appointments and codes of conduct.
• Public: Changes to protest regulations near Parliament and a potential review of electoral systems following a referendum.

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