Should the British Constitution be written?

Answer 1

The British constitution is written. It is not, however, codified. This means that the British Constitution is not summarised into one single document although it is written in many sources: Statute, Common law, Treaties, EU law, Works of Authority and Conventions.

As to whether the British Constitution should be codified, many people, politicians and pressure groups argue that it should be. The pressure group Charter88 (founded in 1988), now known as Unlock Democracy, is one such pressure group which stands for a codified constitution. The Liberal Democrat party has stood for a codified constitution for many years. The general consensus is that the British Constitution should be drafted into a formal, entrenched, codified document. The problem is that it has never been agreed amongst politicians as to who should draft the document. Also, the constitutional framework of the British political system would still allow for a codified constitution to be repealed in future by a party with a majority. Many argue that a codified constitution will only be achieved, and can in fact only work, with the dissolution of the monarchy and electoral reform (in the name of Proportional Representation) and that this constitutional reform can only ever be achieved through a revolution.

Answer 2

The decision to have a written constitution is ultimately a matter of political choice and context. However, there are arguments in favor of a written constitution for the UK. A written constitution would provide clarity and certainty, while also protecting fundamental rights and ensuring a clear separation of powers. It could also serve as a symbol of the country's values and aspirations.