A written constitution

After 10 years of his parties constitutional wreaking Jack Straw now thinks it might be time to start thinking about a written constitution, presumably to cement in the changes that they have made. He seems to have forgotten that there is a written constitution for the rulers of the UK being ratified at the moment, the EU Constitution. However the EU will not last and a written constitution for the UK is needed, the old gentlemanly rules that made the unwritten constitution work are no more since Labour decided it could actually do as it pleased.

Cobbled together from a number of sources here are some ideas of what certainly won't be in any constitution dreamed up by the political elite.

---

We the people of the United Kingdom of Great Britain, in order to establish justice, insure domestic tranquillity, provide for the common defence, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United Kingdom of Great Britain.

We hold that the Crown in Parliament is sovereign over these islands and may pass such laws so as to uphold the constitution of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and the liberty of its citizens.

It is Parliament that shall make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution its powers, and all other powers vested by this Constitution in the government of the United Kingdom, or in any department or officer thereof where they do conflict with the basic liberties outlined in this Constitution. In all areas that Parliament has not ruled the people are at liberty to conduct their affairs as they see fit so long as they do not conflict with the basic liberties to life, liberty, and property of their fellow citizens.

We hold that a robust civil society is vital to the good order of the state and to this end Parliament shall make no law that interferes with the following basic freedoms:
Freedom of speech.
Freedom of conscience.
Freedom of movement.
Freedom of association.
Freedom of peaceful assembly.

We hold that the sole end for which mankind are warranted, individually or collectively, in interfering with the liberty of action of any of their number, is self-protection. That the only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others. His own good, either physical or moral, is not sufficient warrant. He cannot rightfully be compelled to do or forbear because it will be better for him to do so, because it will make him happier, because, in the opinion of others, to do so would be wise, or even right.

To this end Parliament shall make no law that interferes with the following basic liberties:

All citizens are equal before the law.

All citizens are to be considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. To this end the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in cases of rebellion or invasion the public safety may require it. Excessive bail ought not to be required, nor excessive fines imposed; nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

All citizens have the right to their lawfully acquired property. All grants and promises of fines and forfeitures of particular persons before conviction, are illegal and void.

All citizens have the right to defend themselves and their lawfully acquired property.

No capitation, or other tax shall be laid, unless in proportion to the census or enumeration herein before directed to be taken.

No bill of attainder or ex post facto Law shall be passed.

All citizens should have their privacy respected, unless a case for the pressing need for the violation privacy related to the investigation of the violation of specific laws can be presented to a legally appointed authority.