Governing Britain

Philip Norton (Lord Norton of Louth) is Professor of Government at the University of Hull

• 1 Britain’s uncodified constitution 2 Constitutional twin pillars: does parliamentary sovereignty trump the rule of law?3 Constitutional conventions: when is a convention not a convention?4 The constitution, the EU and Brexit: who governs?5 Parliament and referendums: direct or representative democracy?6 Parliament and the courts: strangers, foes or friends?7 The law of Parliament: who polices the rules?8 Fixed-term Parliaments: fixed or not so fixed?9 Choosing, and removing, a Prime Minister: who decides?10 A deputy to the Prime Minister: a deputy but not a successor?11 Ministerial responsibility: responsibility for what?12 Devolution: a disunited union?NotesBibliographyIndex

‘If the last few years have shown us anything, it is that we need to understand the British constitution, yet that too few of us do. This excellent book guides the reader through a dozen key constitutional debates. It should be read by all those be interested in how we are governed – and especially by those who want to do the governing.’ Philip Cowley, Professor of Politics, Queen Mary University of London‘Philip Norton has written a much-needed, clear and judicious guide to the complexities of our constitutional arrangements, and the stresses placed on them by devolution, Brexit and judicial review. It carries the authority one would expect from a formidable scholar and a participant-observer of parliament in action.’Sir Ivor Crewe, Master of University College, Oxford‘No one knows more about Parliament than Philip Norton. I can think of very few books that are more timely than this clear, concise and popular exposition of some of the most important issues in the British Constitution.’ Matt Qvortrup, Professor of Political Science, Coventry University‘Majestic and enthralling. Philip Norton’s insightful analysis provides a lucid account of the workings and evolution of the Constitution. Bridging legal and political science, he explains how the Constitution comes together, where it may work best and how constitutional reforms might best be considered. Highly topical and extremely relevant.’ John McEldowney, Professor of Law, University of Warwick