The Oppenheimer effect of UK's worthless Westminster constitution

Looking at the effects of the UK’s worthless constitution, it would be easy to echo these ­sentiments. In almost every respect, the British constitution has exploded the very state it ought to safeguard.

Like the discovery of the ill effects of ­atomic fusion, the UK constitution’s fatal flaws lay ­unexploited for decades. Westminster ­parties, exploiting the Buggins’ turn rule, were ­largely content to govern in keeping with past ­practices. But the British ­constitution’s major flaw is that this respect for what went before was always purely voluntary.

No political party in the UK is obliged to act fairly or even ethically when in power. Indeed, the only restraint on any British government is the size of its majority. A small majority leaves it vulnerable to public concerns. However, a working majority allows it to ride roughshod.

All it took was an immoral prime minister to reveal the full extent of Britain’s inept ­constitution. Boris Johnson discovered he could behave as he pleased once he became a premier with a fat majority. And he did.

In any civilised country with a functioning constitution, he would have been constrained by its commands. The UK constitution has no ­safeguards that cannot be removed by ­Westminster because Parliament is sovereign.

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It’s true that the British head of state is not the prime minister. And premiers report to a ­monarch who fulfils that role in the UK. But Boris Johnson found he could simply treat the ­monarch with the contempt he showed others. Under the British system, the monarchy is like a bee. It can sting, but such a move would likely bring about the end of any parliamentary role. As Charles I found out.

The constitutional abuse the UK has suffered in recent years is unprecedented. Self-declared liars occupy seats in the House of Lords. An ­institution the Labour Party committed to ­abolish over a century ago. So it would be very ill-advised to look to Labour for any meaningful constitutional corrections.

Spotting the shambolic nature of the UK ­constitution early, Johnson exploited it to the full. He elevated his very young friend Charlotte Owen (below) to the red benches.

Assuming she lives for, say, 80 years, she has a guaranteed tax-free income of more than £53,000 per calendar year, index-linked. ­Popping in for 10 minutes on the way to the shops counts as attendance. And she gets travel ­expenses, plus very good, subsidised food, and drink as well.

Revealingly, her web page on the House of Lords official site shows that she has no ­experience whatsoever.

But much worse, she and the ethically challenged Baroness Mone can make laws. Forever.

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No wonder a cast of Labour, Tory and ­LibDem has-beens queue up at this trough. You might think those fortunate enough to get this cosy gig would not want to draw undue attention to themselves. At least to the extent of avoiding criticising elected politicians who are doing the heavy lifting. You may think this, but you would be wrong.

Arrogant Labour lords are always good for a ready quote on the failure of real politicians to make a difference.

Now, some may say that while it would be nice to have a written, codified constitution to keep politicians and others in check, does it really matter? Surely the economy, the standard of ­living and so forth are much more pressing.

This misses the point. When an organisation, or a country, does not have a clear, agreed set of values and principles, it loses its way. ­Decisions get harder and harder, as more and more people challenge a political system they feel has lost its moral compass. Institutions break down ­because the individuals within them become ­alienated from a suspect leadership.

When cheating and lying go unpunished – and are even seen to be rewarded – then bad practice becomes the norm rather than the ­exception.

Moral and ethical pollution strike at the very heart of a nation. Unprincipled governance then becomes a means of self-enrichment for those in control. They do not need to care for the nation’s future as they have no intention of sharing in that future. Once rich, they plan to leave the country to take their loot abroad. ­Businesses take the lead from the Government and focus on the quick buck, the easy return, and hang the customers.

The British constitution needs radical reform. It will not get it. The main opposition seeks to conform to its failings rather than address them.

As a matter of principle and as a huge and ­enduring Christmas present to us all, we should leave this rotten British constitution ­behind. Now.