Statute of Westminster 1931 facts for kids
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| Long title | An Act to give effect to certain resolutions passed by Imperial Conferences held in the years 1926 and 1930. |
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| Citation | 22 & 23 Geo. 5 c. 4 |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 11 December 1931 |
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Status: Current legislation
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The Statute of Westminster 1931 is a special law passed by the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It became law on December 11, 1931. This important law gave more freedom and equality to several countries that were once part of the British Empire. These countries were known as "dominions" and included places like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
The Statute of Westminster is still a key part of the laws in many of these countries, which are now called Commonwealth realms. It helped these nations become more independent. It also set the rules for how these countries would continue to be connected to the British Crown (the King or Queen of the UK).
Contents
What is the Statute of Westminster?
The Statute of Westminster 1931 was a law that changed the relationship between the United Kingdom and its self-governing "dominions." Before this law, the British Parliament could still make laws for these dominions. This meant countries like Canada or Australia weren't fully in charge of their own laws.
This new law made sure that the parliaments in these dominions could make their own laws without needing approval from the UK. It also meant that UK laws would no longer automatically apply to them. This was a big step towards these countries becoming fully independent nations.
Why Was This Law Created?
The idea for the Statute came from meetings called Imperial Conferences. These were gatherings where leaders from the UK and the dominions discussed important issues. At conferences in 1926 and 1930, they agreed that the dominions should have more control over their own affairs.
The leaders wanted to make sure that all parts of the British Empire that governed themselves were equal in status. They believed these countries should be free to make their own decisions. The Statute of Westminster was created to put these agreements into official law.
Impact on Commonwealth Realms
The Statute of Westminster had a huge impact on the countries it applied to. It gave them "legislative freedom," which means they could pass, change, or get rid of their own laws without interference from the UK. This was a major step in their journey to full sovereignty (being able to govern themselves completely).
Today, the Statute is still important because it explains the special link between the Commonwealth realms and the British Crown. Even though these countries are fully independent, they share the same monarch as the UK. The Statute helped define this unique relationship, where the monarch is a symbol of their shared history and values.
Images for kids
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The Big Picture, opening of the Parliament of Australia, 9 May 1901, by Tom Roberts
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Canadian Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King (left) and his British counterpart Stanley Baldwin (right), 1926
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Instrument of abdication signed by Edward VIII and his three brothers, Albert, Henry and George, 10 December 1936
See also
In Spanish: Estatuto de Westminster para niños
