From the prorogation of parliament to military action, the executive’s prerogative powers have been at the heart of some of the most heated political controversies of recent years. This seminar marks the publication of a new book and report on this little-understood but crucial topic.

Robert Hazell will explains the main prerogative powers, the successes and failures of recent attempts to regulate them, and the respective roles of parliament and the courts. Other speakers then look at specific instances of the prerogative:

Arabella Lang (Head of Research, Public Law Project) discusses the effectiveness of parliamentary scrutiny of treaties

Prof Philippe Lagassé, Carleton University, Ottawa evaluates parliamentary attempts to regulate the war making power, in Australia, Canada and New Zealand as well as the UK

Sir Peter Riddell, Honorary Professor at UCL, talks about regulation of public appointments

This seminar is chaired by Prof Meg Russell, Director of the Constitution Unit.

The book, Executive Power: The Prerogative, Past, Present and Future by Robert Hazell and Timothy Foot (Hart Publishing)

The Constitution Unit Report, Reforming the Prerogative by Robert Hazell and Charlotte Sayers-Carter.

Links:

Website: www.ucl.ac.uk/constitution-unit

Mailing list: www.ucl.ac.uk/constitution-unit/get-involved/mailing-list

Blog: constitution-unit.com