Salisbury Convention

Definition

The Salisbury Convention is an unwritten constitutional principle in the UK that stipulates that the House of Lords should not block legislation that was included in a manifesto of the governing party that has won a general election. This convention reflects the relationship between the elected House of Commons and the appointed House of Lords, highlighting the authority of the elected government and its mandate from the public.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Salisbury Convention was first articulated in 1945 when Labour Prime Minister Clement Attlee emphasized that the House of Lords should respect the electoral mandate given to his party.
2. This convention mainly applies to legislation that forms part of a governing party's election manifesto, asserting that such proposals should be considered legitimate and implemented without obstruction from the Lords.
3. While the convention is not legally binding, it has been adhered to by the House of Lords for decades, reinforcing the notion of democratic accountability.
4. The convention underscores the tension between the democratic principles of elected officials versus the appointed nature of House of Lords members, prompting ongoing debates about reforming the House of Lords.
5. In instances where legislation is deemed highly controversial or not part of an electoral mandate, the House of Lords may still exercise its power to scrutinize and delay legislation.

Review Questions

• How does the Salisbury Convention influence the legislative process between the House of Commons and the House of Lords?
  • The Salisbury Convention significantly influences how legislation is passed between these two houses by ensuring that bills originating from a governing party's manifesto are given priority. This means that if a party wins an election with specific proposals, the House of Lords is expected to avoid blocking those proposals, reflecting respect for the electorate's choice. This convention helps maintain a smoother legislative process and emphasizes the legitimacy of elected representatives in shaping law.
• Discuss the implications of the Salisbury Convention on debates regarding reforming the House of Lords.
  • The Salisbury Convention has critical implications for ongoing debates about House of Lords reform because it highlights inherent tensions between democratic legitimacy and appointed governance. Critics argue that an unelected body like the Lords should not have the power to obstruct legislation supported by a majority elected mandate. This has led to discussions on how to make the House more democratic, possibly through reforms like introducing elected members or limiting its powers, while supporters often defend its role in providing expertise and thorough scrutiny.
• Evaluate how adherence to the Salisbury Convention might affect future constitutional reforms in the UK.
  • Adherence to the Salisbury Convention could significantly shape future constitutional reforms by reinforcing existing power dynamics between Parliament's two houses. If reforms aim to further empower an elected body like the House of Commons while restricting or redefining the role of an appointed House of Lords, it may lead to greater calls for transparency and accountability within Parliament. Moreover, as public sentiment towards unelected institutions evolves, failure to adapt could prompt more substantial reforms or even a shift toward more radical changes in how both houses interact and legislate.

Related terms

House of Commons: The lower house of Parliament in the UK, consisting of Members of Parliament (MPs) who are elected by the public to represent their interests.

House of Lords: The upper house of Parliament in the UK, made up of appointed members, including life peers, bishops, and hereditary peers, which reviews and revises legislation proposed by the House of Commons.

Parliamentary Sovereignty: The principle that Parliament has the supreme legal authority in the UK, meaning it can create or end any law, and its decisions cannot be overridden by any other body.