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—DRAFTING A PREMABLE TO THE UK LAW SCHOOL UNIVERISTY OF BIRMINGHAM Whether its independence for , ‘English Votes on English Laws’, a UK exit from the EU or reform of the House of , constitutional reform has been a staple of political in recent months. One of the questions underlying much of these is whether the UK’s traditional constitution should be codified. at Birmingham Law School have been tackling this question head-on! Students on our 1st LLB, LLB with French Law, LLB with German Law, LLB with Business and LLB for Graduate programmes have been busy drafting a preamble for a modern codified constitution for the UK (as part of a public competition run by the House of Commons Political and Constitutional Reform ). At first, students drafted their own individual preambles, before meeting in groups of around 8 to 10 to debate their various drafts and to agree a preamble for the group as a whole. Each group’s agreed preamble was submitted to House of Commons Political and Constitutional Reform Committee. The ‘wordcloud’ below captures the most frequently appearing terms in the students’ preambles: Entry 1 “The following is an Act of the union that is the , therefore, , Scotland, and Northern are hereon legally bound by this Act. The Act is a of the well solidified, appreciated and understood unwritten constitutional principles and conventions that have governed the United Kingdom up until this glorious date. The provisions of this Act are set to take full effect upon the Act receiving Royal Assent, and therefore will be legally binding upon anyone and everyone. Further, no person, branch of government, corporation or political institution is deemed to be above the Act. The Act will remain in compliance with international treaties to which the United Kingdom currently abides by. Let it be understood that this codified Act will state the fundamental human rights of all citizens in the United Kingdom, the limitations upon said rights, the and finally the division of authority that government branches exercise, as well as the limits to the aforementioned branches. Moreover, it will expressly state the amendment formula in the instance that a constitutional provisional needs to be changed. The Act signifies a united desire to have a clear and concise written constitution that is accessible to everyone in the United Kingdom. It reflects upon the harmony and cooperation that exists between the four great lands who are willing to be bound by this Act. It is the goal of this Act that each citizen of the United Kingdom, and all other person(s), will have their rights protected and that the Act will give said person(s) the opportunity to make every autonomous decision they choose, so long as the decision does not conflict with the Act. It is with great hope that this written constitution is whole heartedly accepted by the and that it will lead into an era of constitutional and legal clarity.”

Entry 2

“The of the United Kingdom, ensuring our fundamental values and freedoms, hereby enact this constitution: This document is established so that all expressions of our ancient and venerable system of government may be codified to the benefit of all, and to provide both clarity and . This constitution is further expressed in understanding of the need for such powers and provisions as exist in , and constitutional conventions to be set down, along with the fundamental principles and values that this holds dear. These values are the base upon which the nation rests and the people rely and, as such, are not to be undermined nor suppressed but promoted and strengthened. These values are applicable to all equally and without exception. Further, the rule of law, as accessible to all, independent of other influence, is certain in its application and not arbitrary nor discriminatory. This constitution shall promote certainty and clarity in matters that concern the power of the state. Herein it may also be found that an authoritative expression of the separation and allocation of the powers of the state. This includes the functions, privileges and limits of such bodies that organise the state and wield power legitimately for the benefit of the people. Any future amendments and changes to the constitution can only be carried out in the manner specified. They should be done only with the aim of further empowering the principles of justice, freedom and equality for which the people stand.”

Entry 3

“We the people of the United Kingdom have solemnly declared to codify our constitutional responsibilities to preserve our status as a democratic nation where as:

To provide the protection of Our rights as citizens, give the people the power to preserve their self determination

To provide our citizens with opportunity

To give our citizens equal status

To identify and assign a social responsibility to our governing institutions and allocate to them specific duties that they must follow

To maintain our parliamentary

To maintain traditional values and preserve our national heritage but also;

To permit change, and allow adaptation to a progressing

To preserve the and give them respect, servitude and gratitude

And to promote among them all Fraternity to assure the dignity of the people and support of the nation: In the our delegating assembly on the 19th day of , 2014 we hereby the codification of the British Constitution. Long Live the Queen!”

Entry 4

“We the people of the United , Scotland, Wales and humbly relying on the blessings of God, through the powers vested in , our representatives in , and the system have agreed and created this codified Constitution as an expression of our nation, structure of government, , and norms and values in society.

We shall continue to pursue a right to be governed by popular sovereignty, and powers shall reside with the people.

Our sovereignty and commitment to a constitution shall respect universal values of complete equality of social, and political rights to all citizens irrespective of religion, race or gender based upon principles of freedom, justice, integrity, and peace.

We assert the equality of relations with our European partners, commonwealth and overseas without distinction or favour.

We solemnly declare a referendum by the people and for the people as the only manner and form in which any or amendments to this constitution shall be made.

The Constitution of the United Kingdom of England shall be as follows: - -“

Entry 5 “Since time immemorial, the United Kingdom has enjoyed a constitution respected by citizens to whom equality, justice and liberty is given. Previously our Constitution has been implicit, thus we take it upon ourselves to codify the values we hold dear, to allow for clarity, consistency and lucidity. Through the drafting of this Constitution, we are not seeking to dramatically alter the present system of government but to ensure the prevention of excessive centralisation of power which could damage individual rights. There are three main principles of this Constitution: (1)Parliament retains the right to enact any binding on the other bodies of Parliament. (2)The Rule of Law is what governs this Constitution. (3)The government is to be split amongst three different functions: The legislative, the and the judiciary. As citizens of the United Kingdom, we vow to thee our country, that we shall thus put forth all reasonable efforts to retain and put forth into eternity these values, once unwritten, today codified. We seek to follow the spirit of these laws enshrined, rather than the letter of the law. Should any discrepancy arise between and normal law, it is paramount that the Spirit of the Constitutional Law triumphs over the latter.”

Entry 6

“We, the people of the United Kingdom, in consideration to the dissolved governments of Northern Ireland and Scotland, as maintaining a reigning but represented in Parliament, elected through democratic means, establish a limit to power, a protection of individual and group rights and a code of organisation for those who govern us.

We hereby pay homage to our ancestors who have withstood the trials of centuries in to make our nation great; gratefully acknowledging all of our obligations to the of England whilst ensuring the respect, protection and recognition of the history, culture, customs, traditions of all the citizens and residents within these lands.

We recognise the principles of Parliamentary sovereignty in so far as to the extent of non-constitutional domestic legislation and furthermore, respect the ruling of the directives and Council of and European Convention on Human Rights to establish the promotion of intra-European , international accord and .

We do promise to uphold the values and virtues such as freedom, equality, the rule of law, justice, solidarity, fraternal coexistence, progress and peace, of all the citizens and residents within our lands, to be afforded all the principles of fair and equal treatment regardless of race, creed or religion.

Therefore, we do hereby adopt, enact, and present to ourselves this Constitution for the United Kingdom.”

Entry 7 " We, the citizens of the United Kingdom through our agents in parliament and by the of the people, have agreed upon and constructed this constitution that outlines all of the principles and rules that govern our great nation. Through this document, the people of the United Kingdom hereby to promote equality, liberty, opportunity and justice through these fundamental laws. Freedom of self – determination, , individual’s rights and the welfare of our people, will all be protected by these higher laws. Decisions, authority and the exercise of power within the state will be carried out in a legitimate way, those acting contrary to this will be held accountable to the people of our country. The powers given to the government have been democratically distributed to certain individuals and institutions by the consent of the people. The laws and principles outlined in this document apply to all the citizens of the United Kingdom and shall be protected without exception."

Entry 8

“We, the subjects of the Crown of by virtue of our democratic power, enact this Constitution to make provisions with respect to; the sovereignty of Parliament; the limited role of the Crown; the principle of judicial independence; clarifying particular ministerial responsibilities; upholding the Rule of Law and honouring its history and protecting its principles; providing clear structures for the , executive and judiciary institutions; defining and the territorial application of the Constitution; and defining the of the Union between England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This written Constitution gives greater clarity to both ordinary citizens and Government ministers, about the functions and roles of historic institutions and ceremonies without losing the British sense of history. It secures the principles which we find to be integral to our nation which have proven themselves to be key beliefs to which our citizens and our Governments rely on. This Constitution unites the in the knowledge that their rights are protected in the greatest consideration of liberty and justice. Our Constitution shall establish a fair, equal and just society for all, regardless of race, religion, gender and without any form of discrimination.

The subjects of the Crown of England and Wales, hereby enact and give ourselves this Constitution.”

Entry 9

“We, the citizens of the United Kingdom, do hereby endorse the codification of a constitution which reflects our fundamental laws and values of liberty, justice and fraternity, and our duty as individuals to make this nation one that upholds equality and diversity.

We, the people, in accordance to the rule of law, recognizing our nation as a democracy, and ensuring that we, the people, will be supreme in deciding our nations fate, in order that we establish structure and hierarchy within the law, to maintain an equilibrium between the governments and the people, and to protect justice, common good, and human rights and freedoms of the people of the United Kingdom.

These conventions will amount to an ordained constitution, of which, symbolises the progression of our democracy, will ensure the Kingdom’s serenity and may be used as a common defence by the people, to prevent tyranny, if they so reasonably believe that any person(s) or body of the State is infringing their welfare and rights. It provides that the Monarch will be the and constitution, residing the legislative power within the Parliament.

We hereby adopt the Constitution of the United Kingdom.”

Entry 10

“We the United Kingdom, will be sure to protect our citizens and to guarantee justice, recognising the importance of a peaceful and controlled society which is enforced and regulated through the government and monarch. We will ensure that the rights of the individual, the Legislature, the Executive and the Judiciary all exist in harmony. We establish fairness and peace amongst both the institutions of the nation and its people, thereby forming one powerful nation with institutions that are powerful in their own right.

We will enhance the lives of those in need of additional support through our in order to provide equality. We respect the right of our citizens to voice and speak their opinion, to have the autonomy and to freely exercise their cultural and religious practices which are accepted and embraced by all. We will respect our responsibility to future generations and protect our citizens from acts of terror. Additionally we recognise all indispensable social principles including liberty, democracy and the rule of law. This new constitution will enact as the core of the United Kingdom, ensuring stability and safety for all citizens; we hereby adopt and give ourselves to this constitution as our Supreme Law.”

Entry 11

“We, the elected representatives of the people of the United Kingdom establish its constitution, keeping in mind the fundamental principles laid down by historical documents of constitutional significance including the (1215), (1628), Bill of Rights (1689) and the Act of Settlement (1701). Therefore we adopt this constitution with the purpose of guaranteeing individual liberty, human dignity, justice, the rule of law and a fraternal atmosphere of respect in our diverse community.

The constitution seeks to educate the people on how the state is supposed to operate; highlighting the values and overall goals of the political system. It resolves ambiguities over the understanding of constitutional rules, giving greater certainty that they can be enforced. It increases protection of individual liberty through a clearer definition of the rights of the people and the relationship they have with the state. The legal relationship between and the EU is much clearer, enabling people to know where constitutional power lies. Hence the UK can better engage in relations with other EU members (of which the overwhelming majority have a written constitution) due to the clarification of our legal code which conveys the foundation of our laws

A clear framework against which to judge the decisions and actions of the governments reduces their authoritarianism and prevents unjust legislating through the government’s increased accountability to law. The power to dissolve unconstitutional parties against tyrannical extremists and politicians. The constitution is safeguarded by higher law, preventing the government from interfering with it and giving power to the judiciary to interpret it neutrally and impartially. The codified constitution does not seek to reform the foundation principles of the preceding unwritten constitution; it merely entrenches these commonly-accepted legal principles into its clauses, granting assurance to and protection of the people of the United Kingdom.”

Entry 12

“We, the undersigned of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the and the Bailiwicks of and , do hereby, in the authority of the Crown, adopt, enact and establish this constitution in order to;

Serve as the guarantor of rights, of equality, of the rule of law, of justice, and of tolerance;

Protect fundamental rights of every inhabitant of the land as well as to govern and regulate institutions of the state, its distinct roles and grant it the authority to act.

Cognisant of the aspirations of the of the nations of this Union; Therein shall be made adequate provision in the creation of regional assemblies in England; Therein to the legitimate interests of the nations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, herein shall be granted a right of self-governance; Upon these firm principles we adopt, enact and establish this constitution of the United Kingdom of and Northern Ireland to be upheld by our citizens now and forever.”

Entry 13

“ This constitution of we, the people of the United and Northern Ireland, represents and embodies the values of our united kingdom. This constitution of the people of that Union, shall uphold and protect:

Our democratic values and beliefs.

Our belief in tolerance and respect.

Our belief in freedom for all mankind.

Our unity in diversity.

Our national sovereignty.

Our right to self-determination.

Our unwavering belief in justice.

Our belief in the rights of individuals.

Our desire for progress for all mankind.

Our national .

Thus we proclaim this constitution to be ours to the following:..”

Entry 14 “The UK has a constitution but it is uncodified. Hence it cannot be found in any one set place and cannot be accessed as a written document. This has created dispute for a long period of time and does not offer the unity that we as a nation should. Finally, we have come together as the nations of the United Kingdom to provide an end to this difficulty.

We the people of the United Kingdom, of Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England declare this constitution which delegate’s peace, ensures’ equality, promotes liberty and enforces justice. A reform committee commissioned by us the people has come together to codify our , so that from this day onwards, we the people will have the chance to access the fundamental foundations that set our nation, in one place. This constitution will bring together of legislation which encase the essential rights and common law of the people of the nations of the United Kingdom. Not only will this constitution encase our rights, but also the journey of our nation and its history.

This is a step towards the betterment and succession of our nation and its people.”

Entry 15:

“We, the collective and united body of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, including Her the Queen, the executive government, Parliament, and all individuals who call this Kingdom their home, have resolved to put forth the following Constitution:

Regardless of our human differences, we aim to embrace the diversities in thought, cultures, and beliefs and still maintain a harmonious nation; united by the belief of self-determination and societal responsibility. The responsibility of harmony applies not solely within our land, but also encourages peace between ourselves and other nations. In order to do this, we shall agree to, and abide by, the European Convention of Human Rights.

With this formally entrenched constitution, we aim to no longer allow our citizens to live in the darkest abyss of ignorance of what is and what is not lawful. Hence the State (Parliament, the executive government and the judiciary) agree to adhere by the key principles of the rule of law. Consolidating the relationship between the state and its citizens will illuminate the boundaries of the role of the individual, the role of the and the role of Parliament.

With the adoption and respect of this Constitution, we can hope to stand with sincerity and pride among the rest of as a successful and bountiful nation.”

Entry 16

“We, the People of the United Kingdom, represented by those assembled in Parliament, express loyalty and responsibility for our soil. Firm believers in liberty, we establish equality, protection from tyranny and domestic tranquillity in order to promote the welfare of our People.

This constitution serves to protect the values of our society ensuring justice and security for all. We have created this constitution in order to bring all of the most important principles in our legal system together in one document.

We put our in the government representatives, who, elected on the democratic basis, will rightfully and sensibly exercise their allotted powers so as to ensure the smooth functioning of our society. No other country shall be put before ourselves: rather we make sure we put ourselves at the forefront of our aims. We shall be sustainable. We ensure that future generations can be just as successful – if not successful – than we are today, to ensure that the United Kingdom can be forever as strong as we are today. To solidify the values and principles that protect our citizens, our traditional constitution will now become codified.

· Protects the rights of the vulnerable and the poor, giving them a right to a good and enriched · Holds that the of both our citizens and the state is to ensure the highest possible of social well-being, safety and order · Gratefully remembers the Constitutional Law previously held as the United Kingdom’s Constitution, and respects our founding father’s legacy in ensuring its sanctity · Seeks to promote the common good for all people, no matter what background · Holds that our existence is based on our dignity, and as such the passing of this constitution must bring about a common strive for our collective greatness.

This constitution that we put forward maintains and builds upon the values that have been held in this country for hundreds of years, in addition to creating a more harmonious existence with those states that we neighbour and interact with.”

Entry 17

“It is the wish of we, the law abiding people of the United Kingdom, to express our desire for a codified constitution. This constitution will demonstrate the structure of our legislature, the executive and the judiciary; all committed to interacting and harmonising with the residents. These relations will strengthen and secure the basis of the governmental systems, providing a national unity that establishes a true, British identity.

Even though a constitution in a broader sense has existed in the United Kingdom since the 13th century, this codified constitution reflects and presents the values that we and protect. A British constitution would encourage clarity and confidence of the people, in relation to the electoral and legal systems. It will have an educative effect; protecting and guiding the citizens under these fundamental laws, encoded into this prominent document.

Our constitution will defend us, the citizens, from our morals being compromised. It will provide us with security, stability and strength. Our values of personal liberty, personal expression, and personal identity will always be a priority entrenched in this document. Those entrusted with power shall always uphold these morals in their decisions and rulings through higher law; affecting our lives positively. Our human rights will not be breached. Our human rights will not be malleable.

The codified constitution will, in its true sense, develop our community within the United Kingdom, promoting unity and stability for all.”

Entry 18

“We, the people of the United Kingdom, solemnly establish a constitution representing all communities. Therein under the Monarchy, Government, courts and in line with our EU family we shall be guaranteed fundamental rights, including equality of status, of opportunity and before law, Transparency, and freedom of thought, expression, belief, subject to law and public morality”.

Entry 19

• The people of the United Kingdom, • Devoted to peace, tolerance and equality for all its citizens, • Determined to establish a progressive culture and to ensure the dignity of life for all, • All citizens have equal social worth and are equal before the law without the distinction of race, gender, political opinion or economic status, • The established church is the with the monarchy acting as head of state and ascension to the is heredity, • Guarantees the co-existence of the monarchy and parliament, • Parliament will have two assemblies in the House of Commons and , • All ministers are to be chosen from the House of Commons or House of Lords, • Recognises the necessity to consult with parliament and the obligation to transfer power to the Prime , • Convinced that the democratically elected prime minister of the chosen party possesses the ability to choose his/her own , • Committed to the sovereignty of parliament and its ability to introduce legislation with the purpose of representing society and administering public opinion, • Any legislation passed by holds legislative supremacy and thereby ultimate power over all political bodies in the UK and its territories, • Determined to fully respect international humanitarian law and European law to the extent that the parliament decides, • The national is the Union

Entry 20

“The British nation, in desiring to establish and ensure the exercise of justice, liberty and security, and in promoting the well being and equality of all individuals, proclaims to adopt the following Constitution:

There shall be a guaranteed democratic coexistence within the Constitution and the laws, in accordance with a fair economic and social order.

There shall be protection of all people of Britain in the exercise of their human rights, of their culture and traditions, languages and institutions.

There shall be the promotion of the progress of culture and of the economy to ensure a dignified quality of life for all.

There shall be a strengthening of peaceful relations and effective cooperation among all other .

And hereby, the British nation drives to make this Constitution and commit ourselves to it as the fundamental law of the land.”

Entry 21

“Whereas a codified constitution will allow the people of the United Kingdom to fully understand the nation’s constitutional beliefs in a document containing an implicit set of procedures to be followed regarding changes in the constitution and its implementation. Whereas the UK currently has no such written constitution and therefore are hindered when enforcing our individual rights as a higher form of law. Now we the people of this great nation come together to form our UK Constitution as a declaration of our combined beliefs in regards to the relation between the State and its People, our democratic standing and the foundation and nuances of Government whose power is derived from the people themselves. We create this Constitution for our chosen electives within Parliament, who represent our voices, to protect UK citizens as such up until any future alterations regarding it. Our nation:

- agrees to abide to uphold the Constitution as the highest form of law

- affirms the equal rights of UK citizens, enforceable by the Judiciary, including those derived from the , the right to justice, the right to vote independently in a democratic to decide our representative in House of Commons

- agrees all, regardless of any hierarchy and exempting no one, are subject to the laws protection and punishment measures

- will declare the outlines from which the Government are instructed of their limits in order to prevent and manipulation of power or tyranny, in order for them to best perform the duties trusted to them from the people

- will further outline the separation of powers in order to provide clarity on the limits of each. Reform may appear if public debate should chose to weight more/less power upon parliament or the judiciary.

- will clarify the confusion that is ‘conventions’ i.e. non-legal rules that are nonetheless obligatory or customary. Many conventions appear over time and thus it is important that the country is aware of specifically what it is that is compulsory or mere tradition, so this should be given great importance in our codified constitution.”

Entry 22

“By the grace of the Queen’s Most Excellent Majesty, we, Her Majesty’s most dutiful and loyal subjects, by and with the of the and Temporal, and Commons, as well as the present Parliament do ordain and establish this constitution for The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. This constitution will instate that there will be accountability and popular , with the people being recognised as autonomous beings.

We emphasise the need for consensus in legislative arrangements so as to support a democratic regime and enforcing the right to self-determination and creation for every person who resides in our country.

In pursuit of a Nation where equality, fairness and liberty , where peace is kept and the people’s needs and welfare provided for, we place in high esteem human rights in order to oblige justice and attain an acceptable moral order.

By virtue of these principles above, we hereby solemnly assume this constitution and enact it nationwide.”

Entry 23

“As citizens of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, we hereby declare; under devoted compliance of ordinance received from Elizabeth the Second, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Her other .

In pursuit of a perfect and democratic state, this law stands for the upholding of those principles deemed essential to our society: the promotion of the common good, the establishment of justice, the freedom of the individual, equality and democracy. We are to maintain a political structure of a democratic social arrangement; allowing each citizen to fully exercise their respective individual freedom of expression, belief and faith as well as opinion; all being within reason. A virtue to be upheld is the maintenance and preservation of equality in society.

This Constitution will strive to protect individuals regardless of their social, cultural sexual or racial orientation; it will protect our right, as individuals, to liberty, and it will ensure that those in power conform to the strict regulations written within, thus preventing them from exercising powers arbitrarily. We put reliance in our parliament to make use of their apportioned power responsibly to guarantee the efficient and fair running of the society, to ensure the well-being and opulence of the United Kingdom.

As a people we swear to the principles of fraternity and kinship with each of which the United Kingdom is comprised; we extend our comradeship to the European Community; further to the Commonwealth and to the International Community as a whole. To this end, we hereby agree to form this constitution for the United Kingdom.”

Entry 24

“We, the people of the United Kingdom, comprised of the four nations of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, come forth and join together to establish a codified constitution in the interests of social, economic and political progression. The following document will aspire to:-

• Inaugurate a set of higher laws which will be enforced by the Supreme creating an effective system of checks and balances. • Respect the democratic principles which our political system is founded on, and reform the outdated structures which have survived in the absence of an enlightened, codified constitution. • Strive for a society protecting the fundamental human rights of all people in our nation, regardless of race, culture, religion, gender, ethnicity, , age, or disability. • Facilitate the pursuit of social justice and the combating of social inequality by offering protection for the vulnerable within our society and providing true equality under the rule of law and justice system. • Acknowledge and respect our State’s relationship with the European Union. • Protect the law making powers of the devolved governments of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, while allowing for the provision of an English regionally devolved system. As well as governing the relationship between the central, regional and local arms of governance. By these virtuous principles; the autonomy and freedom of each individual member of our state will be respected so long as it does not infringe on the autonomy of others. Liberty, equality and harmony will also be promoted throughout our great nation. We hereby establish that the above doctrines will be entrenched within our Constitution.”

Entry 25

“The people of the United Kingdom, acting through our elected representatives will prepare and agree to adhere to this Constitution to ensure unity in our land, hereby entrenching justice for all citizens of the democratic state.

We outline in this constitution the powers of the elected government: House of Commons, and the unelected; the legislature and judiciary. The rule of law, freedom of speech, sanctity of and the separation of powers between the executive and the judiciary will underpin the Constitution. All subsequent laws will emanate from the Constitution in spirit, relevance and application. Human rights and dignity will be placed at the very core of the Constitution.

We hereby set the Constitution of the United Kingdom in to preserve the omnipotence of our laws, and hereby keep them above all else.”

Entry 26:

“We the people of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, in place of demonstrating justice and peace within the United Kingdom, are to secure fundamental human rights, promote freedom and democracy, and ensure the general welfare and economic prosperity within the .

Based on the guidance by the executive, judicial and legislative authorities in the government, in whom the Crown entrusts and ordains, this Constitution established is to uphold the principles of separation of powers and a country being governed by a .”

Entry 27

“This constitution preserves and enshrines the ancient rights and privileges of the people of the United Kingdom. The following document establishes provisions for the division of power between the three main governmental institutions, recognises the symbolic authority of the monarchy and expresses commitment to the protection of the following fundamental elements of British society:

• The liberty of citizens • The protection of individual human rights • The cultural, racial, religious and sexual diversity of its citizens • The promotion of democracy • The state funding of a National and social security for those in need • The freedom of the judiciary and press • The security of its citizens against threats from domestic and foreign forces”

Entry 28

“ We, the citizens of Her Majesty's United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, hereby recognise this as our constitution;

We do so in the desire to establish justice, liberty and equality for all citizens of our country.

We have put forth this constitution in the spirit of our nation’s long founded appreciation for democracy and the rule of law.

We have established, through this constitution, the way in which our nation shall be governed. In doing so we are reminded that every citizen is entitled to be aware of their rights and duties as a member of our society.

We affirm that these rights and duties are in keeping with the protections granted by the European Convention of Human Rights and are applicable to everyone.

We also recognise our commitments to our international neighbours. Thus we reaffirm our position as a member state of the European Union and the . We accept the rights and responsibilities that this entails.”

Entry 29:

“We, the people of the United Kingdom, proclaim that the control of the country, the decisions of the Government are influenced and are acted upon, by the people, for the people.

The codified constitution of the United Kingdom will be clear and precise; will eradicate the ambiguity existing within the law, the unwritten constitution and its conventions. With minimal obscurity regarding the power of the parliament, the citizens will endure the benefit of being able to see the clear boundary of where the sovereignty of the parliament ends and where the rights of an individual begin.

This constitutional reform will gather all the important, intangible and inaccessible constitution from all the institutions within the United Kingdom so that it can written in one document of which the people will have no restriction of seeing and attaining it. It will set clear, legal grounds for the people, their rights and responsibilities, as well as establish their confidence as citizens of the United Kingdom; provide them the power to suggest further amendments in the United Kingdom’s constitution.

In our democracy, the sovereignty will reside with the choice of the people. In accordance to this the codified constitution, it will limit and will not allow complete parliamentary sovereignty. It will introduce a much confined separation of Parliamentary powers and will form a rigid framework in the political system.

The newly established codified constitution will help to ensure that the valued traditions, freedom of speech, historic institutions, the monarchy, are kept in place, sustained to secure the culture of the United Kingdom. It will also allow to teach and give the future generations a greater understanding of the fundamental constitution of the United Kingdom.

We, the people of United Kingdom, shall preserve our identity, keep our honour and comply ourselves with the constitution.”

Entry 30:

“We the citizens of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, pledge to adhere by this written constitution and to secure to all its citizens: JUSTICE, social, economic and political; LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship; EQUALITY of status and of opportunity; And to promote among them all, FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the [unity and integrity of the Nation]; In Order to form a more perfect Union, insure domestic Tranquillity, provide for the common defence and promote the general Welfare

IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION.

This constitution shall be referred to as the supreme principles by any form or body of authority existing within the , whereby all and must be aligned with the constitution written.”

Entry 31

“In 1707, the United Kingdom became a unified . And the term “unity” stands as a highly important value of what our country is today. Simon Schama stated that “it was one of the most astonishing transformations in European history”, and indeed it was. The United Kingdom is bound together with pride for ensuring equality, justice, freedom of speech and pride is endeavoured. We live in a society where those who were once discriminated against aren’t no more, those who longed for freedom of owing their sexual orientation now can, and for those who want the security can have that from the honour that our British soldiers stand up for. The British Constitution is a clarification of the true attributes of the United Kingdom. We strive together and grow together. In the Queen’s honour and in our honour.”

Entry 32:

"We the people of Great Britain and Northern and her protectorates overseas cohere together to promise liberty, security, development and equality. We seek to control the operation of our public authorities, establish new sovereignty of our society, promote general welfare and affirm the recognition of our human rights as recognised under the Human Rights Act 1998. The inception of this constitution seeks to achieve these aims through democratic procedures including but not limited to referendums, electoral votes and elected . All issues and disputes between the individuals of the United Kingdom and that of the state are to be solved composedly. These aims will be delivered through existing institutions of the judiciary, parliament and the executive; subject to reforms in legislation and procedure ensuring their operation is in the public interest of democratic sovereignty. The principle of the Rule of Law will also be followed; that the state should govern through understandable and accessible laws. As a nation the United Kingdom has resolved to adopt and enact the following constitution for ourselves and for our future generations. This law thus applies to the people. "