Royal Prerogative and Civil Services Unions - Essay Example

Albeit, Blair sought parliament’s assent for attacking Iraq, he didn't need to comply with the decision of parliament, in this matter. The royal prerogative in declaring war was employed by the prime minister, and this is bestowed by monarchs upon their ministers, without involving parliament. Tony Blair’s abuse of the power to declare war caused the MPs to have it removed from the royal prerogative.

Subsequent, to the Iraqi attack, the draft Constitutional Renewal Bill was proposed, which seeks to reassign to parliament, some of the ministerial powers exercised under the royal prerogative. In the British Parliamentary system, the prime minister is free to act under the royal prerogative, especially in foreign affairs, and this was seen in the war on Iraq. Blair’s government misled the UK public by stating that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction.

The MPs were allowed a tangible vote, indicating the growing trend to curb governmental powers under the royal prerogative. Robin Cook, leader of the House of Commons resigned as he was against involvement in the IRA. Blair ostensibly distorted the facts, to attack Iraq.

The judiciary has criticized the use of the royal prerogative to wage war. Parliament and not the government should decide about engaging in a foreign war, and Gordon Brown promised to address this shortcoming. The remedy is to solely empower parliament to decide upon conducting a war. Read More