rights and the constitution

• <S: >The suspension of civil liberties, such as freedom of movement, speech, assembly, and habeas corpus, is unjustified even during times of war or national emergency.
• The UK has a constitutional monarchy where the Queen is head of state but does not have any real political powers
• The government has no right to restrict individuals' rights except as specifically enumerated and justified in the Constitution.
• 'The rule of law' is an important principle that ensures everyone, including those with power, are subject to the same laws.
• Parliament consists of three parts - The House of Commons (MPs), The House of Lords (Peers) and the Monarch (Queen)
• Any notion of 'unlimited government power' during emergencies is contrary to the separation of powers doctrine and risks tyranny.
• <S: >The government has no right to suspend these freedoms without due process of law.
• <S: >Civil liberties are essential components of democracy that must be protected at all costs.
• The Magna Carta (1215) established the idea that everyone, including the king, was subject to the law.
• The Bill of Rights (1689) established that Parliament cannot suspend laws without its consent and limited the power of the Crown over parliamentary elections.
• <S: >The Constitution provides specific protections against arbitrary arrest and detention by requiring probable cause and a warrant issued upon oath or affirmation.
• The cabinet are senior ministers appointed by the prime minister and make decisions on behalf of the government
• The Bill of Rights (1689) guaranteed individual freedoms like free speech, religion, and elections.
• The Human Rights Act (1998) incorporated the European Convention on Human Rights into domestic law and made it enforceable by British courts.
• In the UK, Parliament can pass legislation without consulting the public through referendums.
• There is no written constitution in the UK, which means there is less protection against arbitrary actions by the government.
• The UK has a parliamentary system of government, meaning the executive branch is accountable to Parliament rather than directly elected by the people.