Royal Prerogative Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Royal Prerogative - Essay Example Albeit, Blair sought parliament’s assent for attacking Iraq, it was not mandatory for him to comply with the decision of parliament, in this matter7.The royal prerogative in declaring war was employed by the prime minister8, and this is bestowed by monarchs upon their ministers, without involving parliament9. Tony Blair’s abuse of the power to declare war actuated the MPs to have it removed from the royal prerogative10. 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 prerogative11. 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 Iraq12. Blair’s government apparently misled the UK public by stating that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction13. The MPs were allowed a tangible vote, indicating the growing trend to curb governmental powers under the royal prerogative14. Robin Cook, leader of the House of Commons resigned as he was against involvement in Iraq15. Blair ostensibly distorted the facts, in order to attack Iraq16. The judiciary has criticised the use of the royal prerogative to wage war17. Parliament and not the government should decide about engaging in a foreign war18, and Gordon Brown promised to address this shortcoming19. The remedy is to solely empower parliament to decide upon conducting a war20. Andrew Grice, MPs should be awarded Queens historic powers, says Campbell, June 11, 2007, Retrieved on January 1, 2009 from http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/mps-should-be-awarded-queens-historic-powers-says-campbell-452649.html Gary Woodward, Self-inflicted injury: going to war in Iraq, November 22, 2007, Retrieved on January 1, 2009 from http://www.globalcollab.org/Nautilus/australia/apsnet/policy-forum/2007/self-inflicted-injury-going-to-war-in-iraq/ PASC Publishes