Explain Parliamentary Sovereignty.

Parliamentary sovereignty is a fundamental principle of the British constitutional system, which asserts that Parliament is the supreme legal authority and has the power to make, amend, or repeal any law without limitation. This concept is derived from the doctrine of parliamentary supremacy, which holds that Parliament is the highest source of law and cannot be bound by any prior legal authority, including written constitutions or judicial decisions. Here is an explanation of parliamentary sovereignty:

1. Legislative Supremacy: Parliamentary sovereignty means that Parliament is the ultimate law-making body in the United Kingdom, with the authority to enact legislation on any subject matter within its jurisdiction. Acts of Parliament, also known as statutes or primary legislation, have the force of law and are binding on all individuals, institutions, and authorities within the UK's legal system.

2. Unlimited Legislative Powers: Parliament's legislative powers are unlimited and unrestricted, allowing it to pass laws on any matter it chooses, without being subject to external constraints or limitations. This includes the power to amend or repeal existing laws, override common law principles, and even alter the constitutional framework itself, as Parliament is not bound by its predecessors or higher legal authorities.

3. No Judicial Review: Parliamentary sovereignty precludes judicial review of legislation by the courts, meaning that judges cannot invalidate or strike down Acts of Parliament on the grounds of unconstitutionality or inconsistency with fundamental rights. While courts may interpret and apply laws, they cannot declare them invalid or nullify them, as Parliament's will is supreme and cannot be overridden by judicial intervention.

4. Constitutional Flexibility: Parliamentary sovereignty provides for constitutional flexibility and adaptability, allowing the UK's legal system to evolve and respond to changing social, political, and economic circumstances. Unlike countries with written constitutions, the UK's unwritten constitution can be amended or modified through the ordinary legislative process, providing for greater flexibility and pragmatism in governance.

5. Political Accountability: Parliamentary sovereignty is closely linked to the principle of political accountability, as Parliament is accountable to the electorate for its decisions and actions. Through regular elections, voters have the opportunity to hold their representatives accountable and express their preferences for policy direction and legislative priorities, ensuring that Parliament remains responsive to the will of the people.

6. Limitations and Constraints: While parliamentary sovereignty is a foundational principle of the UK's constitutional system, it is not absolute and may be subject to certain limitations and constraints. These include constitutional conventions, international obligations, and political considerations that may influence Parliament's exercise of its powers. Additionally, the devolution of powers to the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Parliament, and Northern Ireland Assembly has introduced some degree of legislative autonomy and limited the scope of parliamentary sovereignty in certain areas.

In summary, parliamentary sovereignty is a core principle of the British constitutional system, asserting that Parliament is the supreme legal authority with unlimited legislative powers. This principle underpins the UK's unwritten constitution, providing for constitutional flexibility, political accountability, and the primacy of democratic governance. While parliamentary sovereignty is a fundamental aspect of the UK's legal and political system, it is not without limitations and constraints, as Parliament's authority may be subject to certain constitutional conventions, international obligations, and political considerations.