Constitutionally what would happen if EVERY MP was killed in a terrorist act?

Question

By every I mean every single MP from all parties. Who would be in charge. Would a general election have to be held?

Answer 1

There would probably be massed celebrations at first, followed by grim realisation.

Answer 2

If the Queen was not killed in the same act, she would call for order and assess the situation.   Chances are at least one MP would survive such a thing.  The others might be temporarily replaced by their staffers until elections could be called.  They would know everything their bosses knew.  

The military would definitely be involved in a situation that severe and some marital law would probably be declared.   Keep in mind, though, that the royal family would not be in charge beyond the initial call for calm.  Although most of the royal family has military service, they are not ranking members of the military.  Their role would mostly be in public relations and calming the public so the military and governmental minds could deal with the crisis.  

Answer 3

As we live in a Constitutional Monarchy, the Queen would still be head of state and therefore would invite someone to form a government, probably a coalition govenment to start with. Remember you don't have to be an MP to be a government minister. The other things to remember  are that the country is really run by the Civil Service, that would continue. Secondly there are disaster plans in place, whereby certain people are authorised to take control of the country on a National and Regional basis. This is a hangover from the cold war/nuclear attack scenario, however it is still in place. Once they had sorted themselves out and stabilised things, then no doubt they would hold a General Election to form a Democratically elected government, such as they are.

Answer 4

The Governor-General is officially the head of state, so she would then be in charge, and would rule on the advice of the Senate, until she decided to call an election.

Answer 5

I guess we can all dream........

Even someone blowing up the Houses of Parliament would be highly unlikely to kill every MP as they are never all there at once.

If an MP dies then there is a local by-election but I would assume that if all (or nearly all) were to kick the bucket then it would be a General election.

In the meantime government would continue as although there would be no (or very few) elected officials, the civil servants who actually run the country would still be there to s***w things up.

Answer 6

Governor general would become head of state. I am doing a school novel about it right now. This is when the GG apiont the cheif of the defence force as prime minster. It was too bi for the whole thing bbut basically a nuclear artliatry shell( they do exist pakistan and india almost used them against each other. also called tactical nukes) is set off in parliment house during the opeaning so all the mps from the senate and House of reps are killed

Governor-General Tom Knight had always been a controversial figure, a parvenu businessman and bonvivant who had made a fortune from his “Made for Aussies, by Aussies” product range. With his popularity as a plain-speaking knockabout bloke and generous benefactor of charities, he‘d proven an irresistible choice to the then Prime Minister, desperate to revive his government’s standing. All these thoughts flowed through Hampton’s head as he made his way to the conference room of the Joint Services Headquarters at Bungendore. The room was already occupied when he reached there. Holbrook was already there as was Vice Admiral Vincent and Air Vice Marshall Simpson. Next to Simpson sat the shifty AFP Commissioner, Regan. The heads of the intelligence services were also there. It was, however, the figure in the centre of the group who caught Hampton’s eye; Governor General Knight sat there grimly, his young, handsome face marred by eyes that seemed those of an older, harder man.

“Ah, General glad that you could join us we have much to discuss.”

“Yes particularly why the army is being the police, you do not have the right power or mind for civilian duties if I were you I would….”

“You forget your place Regan, see to it that it does not happened again.” A small gasp came from the small audience at the implied insult. This did not sound like a typical Governor General, though these were not typical times.

“Besides.” Continued Knight “You have more urgent duties to attend to. You will work with the Colonel Holbrook to find out who committed this crime and how they got the power to smuggle a nuclear shell into the heart of the nation, besides this is where the AFP excels is it not?”

“Yes sir.” Finished Regan.

“Ah, don’t look so worried Regan, from what we know we might be going to Iran again, then you do not need to worry about us,” Added the Marshall

“Until you can prove that though we will be staying here and if I were you I would try to help the General as much as you can as planning a wall is quite stressful,” advised Vincent

“Sir, what about the government, and what has Iran said?”

“Gentlemen leave us”. The men quickly got up quick to heed Knight’s order. As they walked past Hampton towards the door Holbrook whispered in his ear. “War is young men dying and old men talking. Ignore the politics”

“Or what remains of it.” Was Hampton’s reply. Once he was gone Knight asked softly

“Paul, why do have the Victoria Cross on your chest?”

“Because I did my duty sir.”

“There is no time for formalities Paul we talk as equals. I will tell why you bear the cross on you; it is because you are a great man destined for great things and now you will do great things on the podium not the command centre. If there must be war it will be overviewed by Vincent. Know I must ask you a favour that you must give thought to. Will you become the acting Prime Minister until we have a new government?” Shock filled Hampton’s mind and his facial expressions and not for the first time he wished Peter could be here to advise him.

“Tom I am a solider not a politician I don’t know if I am suited to this.”

“By saying that you are more suited than any one else. A great leader should not want to lead. You are an officer and you want nothing more, but I wan you to accept this offer.”

“What about the senator that was at hospital during the attack. He should be Prime Minister should he not?”

“Malcolm is an 80 year old fool that has bribed his way to what little power he has. He is too ambitious and puts his needs before the needs of the people. Also if you still remain unconvinced I have talker to King Charles or King George VII as he likes to be called and he’s agreed to support my choice of prime minister.”

Hampton was taken back at this but he did not let his expression betray him.

“What will you have me do?”

Answer 7

Some of the 35 trillion civil servants would have to start doing some real work.

I think Queen would technically be in charge until a new government was elected, as she is head of state. Interesting question.

Answer 8

The Queen, or her next in line, would assume her/his 'constitutional rights' and rule until a new parliament was elected. Since the UK is supposed to be a democracy, then, of course there would have to be a general election. Where's the problem?

One might have a problem if the Houses of Parliament were to blown to smithereens during the 'Opening of Parliament' in November. I suspect one might then be faced with a temporary military takeover.

I'm talking about the UK, and I think that's where the questioner is referring to.

Answer 9

I'm answering this question from a Canadian perspective, since our parliamentary system, like the UK is based on the House of Commons and elected MPs.

Hmm, that's a good question.  I suppose you mean all MPs including the Prime Minister, since, at least in Canada, he is technically an MP who represents a riding as well.

I would assume that in our case, the Governor-General of Canada or the Senate House Leader would approach the party's (ie. Liberal, Labour, Conservative, etc) and advise them to appoint new Members of Parliament based on the representation of numbers that was at the time before the terrorist attack.  I'm not sure on that, that's a good one to look up.

That, OR the government would run more smoothly and efficiently with no one actually sitting in the House of Commons.