Overview

The Constitutional Renewal Bill aims to make significant changes to several aspects of the UK's governance, including the role of the Attorney General, treaty ratification, the civil service, general elections, and the conduct of Members of Parliament. It seeks to enhance parliamentary oversight and strengthen the independence of key institutions.

Description

This bill comprises seven parts. Part 1 repeals legislation regulating demonstrations near Parliament. Part 2 significantly alters the Attorney General's role, removing their political position (making them ineligible for Parliament) and requiring them to act independently and in the public interest, publishing legal advice given to Ministers where appropriate. It also establishes a formal protocol for the running of prosecution services (CPS, SFO, and RCPO), setting out the relationship between the Attorney General and the Directors of these services and setting out new rules for the appointments of those Directors. The Attorney General’s power to issue nolle prosequi (stopping prosecutions) is abolished, but they retain a power to intervene in cases concerning national security under ministerial direction. Part 3 introduces new requirements for parliamentary scrutiny of treaties before ratification and requires parliamentary approval before committing the UK to war or armed conflict, with an exception for urgent situations. Part 4 establishes an independent Civil Service Commission, to oversee appointments, recruitment and conduct of the civil service (excluding specific intelligence agencies), whilst setting new codes of conduct for civil servants and special advisers, defining the management and functions of the Civil Service. Part 5 establishes fixed-term parliaments with elections on the first Thursday in May every four years, allowing the House of Commons to vary the day of the week for the election (but not by more than six days), and sets up a Citizens' Assembly to review the electoral system, potentially leading to a referendum on its recommendations. Part 6 introduces new mechanisms for investigating complaints against Members of Parliament, creating a House of Lords Officer to investigate conduct, setting out sanctions, and disqualifying Members for certain offenses. Part 7 includes final provisions regarding commencement, extent and short title.

Government Spending

The bill is likely to increase government spending in several areas. The establishment of the Civil Service Commission and the increased scrutiny of treaties and the operations of the prosecution services will involve additional administrative costs. The exact figures are not specified in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Demonstrators: The repeal of sections 132-138 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 may affect the regulation of protests near Parliament.
• Attorney General and Legal System: The Attorney General's role is fundamentally altered, enhancing independence. The Directors of Public Prosecutions, Serious Fraud Office, and Revenue & Customs Prosecutions will have greater independence and responsibility.
• Parliament: Parliament's role in treaty ratification and declaration of war is significantly increased.
• Civil Servants: The establishment of the Civil Service Commission and new codes of conduct will impact civil servants' working conditions and accountability.
• Voters: Changes to the electoral system, following the Citizens' Assembly's review, could affect how general elections are conducted.
• Members of Parliament: New mechanisms for investigating complaints about MPs' conduct could lead to increased scrutiny and potential sanctions.

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