Power to rule

Does the “brand new democracy” envisaged by Joyce McMillan encompass in the “Crown in the Scottish Parliament” the royal prerogative (Perspective, 20 
December)?

This long-established tradition in the UK endows the 
government of the day and the prime minister with enormous powers.

It permits, for example, the “Crown” to legislate on various matters without passing through parliament.

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This is because what were once powers wielded by the monarch are now exercised through the prime minister and government.

Doesn’t the royal prerogative include, for example, the ability of prime ministers, if they so choose, to declare war without parliamentary approval?

Noticeably, the independence white paper is short on detail on constitutional arrangements compared with economic 
affairs.

Ellis Thorpe

Old Chapel Walk

Inverurie