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Useful Cyprus Information Cyprus Government Websites Currency Converter Cyprus Property News Limassol Marina CyprusNewsReport.comMoving To The UK - The Political, Administrative and Legal Systems
A brief summary of the UK Political, Administrative and Legal Systems to expect when Moving To The UK
The political system
The United Kingdom is made up of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Its full name is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. London is the seat of government, although some powers have been devolved to national assemblies in Scotland (Scottish Parliament), Wales (Welsh Assembly) and Northern Ireland (Northern Ireland Assembly). The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy. The government rules in the name of the current monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. The UK does not have a written constitution; instead it is formed partly by statute, partly by common law and partly by convention. Elections are won according to the first-past-the-post system, rather than the proportional representation that is common in the rest of Europe. The three biggest political parties are Labour, the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats. The leader of the elected party is appointed Prime Minister and asked by the monarch to form a government for a term not exceeding 5 years.
The administrative system
Parliament is the legislature and has two chambers: the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The members of the House of Commons are directly elected in a general election, which takes place at least every five years. The House of Lords includes some peers, either hereditary or life, and some elected members.
The government presents bills to the House of Commons. They are debated by Members of Parliament (MPs) and after revision they are voted on. If the vote is passed, the bill is sent to the House of Lords. It is then further debated, and the Lords may then approve the bill or send it back to the Commons with amendments. A bill can go back and forth between the Houses several times. In this way, the Lords can delay the passage of a bill, but cannot block it indefinitely or insist on amendments.
The legal system
Everyone in the UK is subject to its laws, whether a UK citizen or not. There are three different legal systems in use in the UK; Scotland and Northern Ireland have legal systems distinct from that of England and Wales. As well as its own laws, European law is also applicable in the UK. Over 90% of criminal cases are heard in magistrates’ courts, where evidence is presented to a bench of magistrates who then reach a verdict. In more serious criminal cases, the matter is heard in the Crown Court. If you encounter any legal problems you can contact the Citizens Advice service; they help to resolve legal, money and other problems by providing free information and advice. Solicitors represent people in magistrates’ courts and county courts. They can also help with purchasing a house, making a will and advising on tax matters. If you need to go to any higher courts, your solicitor will find you a barrister. They help you to decide on a strategy for your case and then present it in court. If you need assistance from the Police, look up their contact details in the local telephone directory or, in an emergency, telephone 999.
Text last edited 10/2010
© European Union 1995 - 2011
Source European Union
Reproduction is authorised
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