To repeal the European Communities Act 1972 and the Human Rights Act 1998; to introduce binding referendum powers at national and local level; to require the approval of Parliament to enter into international treaties and to declare war; to make provision about the work of Parliament; to devolve legislative responsibility for certain policy areas to local authorities; and for connected purposes.
<p>The Constitutional Reform Bill was introduced on 19 November 2009 by Lord Willoughby de Broke. Lord Willoughby de Broke also introduced the Bill in the 2008-09 session of Parliament on 2 July 2009.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Key areas</strong></p><ul><li><span>The Bill would repeal the European Communities Act 1972 and the Human Rights Act 1998.</span></li><li><span>The House of Commons would be reduced in size to 250 Members and left in charge only of “national reserved matters”, defined as: the national treasury; defence; foreign affairs; border control; criminal law; agriculture; fisheries and food; national energy and transport policy; the national education curriculum and teaching qualifications; and medical and nursing qualifications.</span></li><li><span>Legislative responsibility for areas which are not defined as “national reserved matters” would be devolved to local authorities.</span></li><li><span>MPs would be limited to a salary of £30,000, with an expense allowance of up to £170,000. </span></li><li><span>The Commons would not sit for more than 100 days in a year unless in an emergency.</span></li><li><span>The Bill would introduce binding referendum powers at national and local level.</span></li><li><span>Within seven years of the passing of the Act, a national referendum would be held on reform of the House of Lords.<br>The approval of Parliament would be required to enter into international treaties or declare war.</span></li></ul>