Fixed-term Parliaments Act

The Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011 was UK legislation that set parliamentary elections to occur automatically every five years, reducing Prime Minister's ability to call early elections. It established a clear schedule for general elections, requiring a two-thirds parliamentary vote or a national emergency to trigger early elections. The Act aimed to provide stability and predictability in government formation. However, it has been controversial, with critics arguing it limited flexibility. In 2022, the Act was repealed, restoring the traditional power of the Prime Minister to request an early election, subject to parliamentary approval.