This Library Note aims to provide background reading for the debate on 20 January 2011: "To call attention to the constitutional and parliamentary effect of Coalition Government".
Debate on 20 January: Constitutional and Parliamentary Effect of Coalition Government (464 KB , PDF)
This Note examines some of the issues surrounding government by coalition, particularly those highlighted since the formation of the current Coalition in May 2010. It considers constitutional issues that arose before and immediately after the 2010 general election, then sets out the administrative arrangements put in place to allow the Coalition Cabinet and machinery of government to function. It examines issues that have both constitutional and parliamentary significance (fixed term parliaments, the Salisbury Doctrine, government majority in the House of Lords) and, finally, deals with practical parliamentary matters such as Short/Cranborne money, seating arrangements, and parliamentary procedure and language.
Debate on 20 January: Constitutional and Parliamentary Effect of Coalition Government (464 KB , PDF)
The Conservative government set an expectation that civil servants spend at least 60% of their working week at a government building or on official business. The Labour government has maintained this expectation due to the “clear benefits of face-to-face working”. Some civil servants have raised concerns about the 60% office attendance mandate, including civil servants in HM Land Registry who have recently voted in favour of strike action.
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill would introduce requirements on those responsible for certain publicly accessible premises and events to implement measures in the event of a terrorist attack. It would also require certain larger premises and events to take steps to reduce their vulnerability to terrorist attacks.
In 2024 the restoration and renewal programme announced it would be developing three options to preserve the Palace of Westminster. Details should be presented to Parliament in 2025. Members will then decide whether the programme should temporarily relocate both Houses of Parliament, keep the Commons Chamber onsite while temporarily relocating the Lords, or conduct a rolling programme of works “to deliver enhanced maintenance and improvement”. Surveying, design and remediation work was also progressed in 2024.
