In theory, Parliament is supreme: it can make or abolish any law that is not bound by any other body, including previous parliaments.
In practice, however, commentators maintain that while legislative sovereignty remain with Parliament, on a day-to-day basis, political sovereignty lies with the executive.
The lack of separation of powers allows the executive to dominate Parliament and the prevalence of large electoral majorities has prompted some - most notably Lord Hailsham 1974 - to warn of 'elective dictatorship'.
The process of devolution of power to the regions, the surrendering of sovereignty the the European Union - for as long as the UK is a member, EU laws prevail where they conflict with UK laws - and the wider use of referendums have contributed to the erosion of parliamentary sovereignty.
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