The independence of the three branches of government (Executive, Judicial & Legislative), is the very pillar of our western democracies. In dictatorships like the clerical theocracy of Iran or communist North Korea these separate branches do exist but have no independence from the ruler, ruling elite, leader, prime minster or the president.
In her short period in office, the British PM has made a mockery of the independence of the three branches of government known also as the concept of, ‘separation of power’.
Briefly, this is how:
Theresa May’s government (Executive) rejected the High Court (Judicial) judgment for legally preventing the government (Executive) to bypass the British Parliament (Legislative) creating a political crisis that challenged our democratic process risking the independence of the three branches.
After the government (E) was reminded again by the Supreme Court (J) that they had overstepped the limits of their authority and had to go to the parliament (L) for law making, the government (E) by playing dirty politics associated with skills that dictators possess, deceived the parliament. (party whip, delayed and short white paper, not including or consulting with the devolved parliaments of Scotland and N. Ireland, insisting on MPs to vote against the “will” of the people in their own constituencies, not providing detailed information and clear plans, by rushing and more). In this way the government managed to wreck the spirit of the Supreme Court’s judgment (J) and finally overwhelmed the democratic process of the parliament (L) and cleared the path for a small number of minsters from the executive branch to have it their own way.
Leaders who are interested in ‘the will of the people’, unifying their nation, democratic process and separation of power and have respect and acknowledge the importance of the independence of the three branches of government hesitate to even consider such conduct. What is happening in Britain today, at least from a political science view point, is nothing short of a coup d'état conducted by a small number of political elite who have taken the entire nation hostage and this will not only lead to serious harm to our democracy but also can potentially break up the United Kingdom.
Faris Nejad (British political scientist)