Tag: EU referendum
Long Read: Brexit, the Referendum and the UK Parliament: Some questions about sovereignty
The Leave campaign fought the referendum with the slogan of ‘taking back control’, but what does this mean in practice? Sionaidh Douglas-Scott writes that there are at least three notions of sovereignty that are relevant in the context of Brexit, namely parliamentary, popular and external sovereignty. Here she outlines in detail the extent to which they conflict with each […]
Forget independence for London – but the capital now needs its own devolved government more than ever
London has vote to remain in the EU while the rest of the UK – and especially England – voted to leave. This has led to calls for London to declare independence. Independence is not going to happen. But as Tim Oliver argues, a fully devolved government for London is possible. It’s time the UK […]
We need a root and branch review of referendums in the UK
Assessing the role of referendums is a challenge because they are on the fault-line of representative and other forms of democracy. Katie Ghose argues that more clarity is needed on who triggers them, and proposes three essential reforms for future referendum campaigns. Similar PostsLearning the lessons: What other referendums can teach us about the EU […]
Desperate times and desperate measures: Could the UK force the EU to negotiate before Article 50 is triggered?
Many on the British side have suggested initial deals should be hammered out before the Article 50 process begins. However, France and Germany are set against early negotiations and now appear to welcome Brexit as an opportunity to pursue greater EU integration. Sean Swan argues that, with strong and coherent leadership, Britain could potentially use […]
Epitaph for a political chancer: Cameron’s fate examplifies the inability of UK elites to resolve long-run crises
David Cameron’s announcement that he is stepping down as Prime Minister capped a night of unprecedented referendum triumph for the ‘Brexiteers’ on the Conservative right and in UKIP in overthrowing Britain’s 43 year old membership of the European Union. Patrick Dunleavy considers the lessons that Cameron learned too late to save his premiership. Similar PostsWhat […]
Who will succeed David Cameron? A brief history of takeover Prime Ministers
Following David Cameron’s announcement that he will resign following the EU referendum, Ben Worthy assesses the experiences of Prime Ministers who have taken over mid-term, and considers what can be taken from this as we look forward to the upcoming Tory leadership battle. Similar PostsGoing, Going, Gone: How Safe is David Cameron?A tale of two […]
Britain votes to leave the EU, here’s what happens next
Leave has won the UK referendum on our continued membership of the EU, meaning that it is likely that the Prime Minister will shortly set in train a series of events and decisions that will shape our relationship with the continent for the future. Here, Gavin Barrett looks over what those events and decisions are. […]
Is the EU really run by unelected bureaucrats?
Much of the UK’s referendum debate has focused on the extent to which EU decision-making is democratic, with the European Commission a source of particular criticism from leave campaigners on the basis that it is unelected. Simon Hix writes that while there are legitimate problems with the EU’s system of democracy, there is little to […]
Brexit and Scottish independence: Does campaign information actually change voters’ minds during a referendum?
Both sides of the UK’s referendum campaign have invested huge resources in trying to convince the electorate to back their viewpoint, but how effective are these efforts in actually changing the minds of voters? Drawing on research in the 2014 referendum on Scottish independence, Davide Morisi illustrates how information can have an impact on the […]
What has the EU ever done for us? Peace, togetherness, investment, and prosperity
The EU referendum is taking place today, with millions flocking to polling stations in order to register a vote for either remaining, or leaving, the EU. Here, Andrew Crines argues that the vote is an opportunity for us to examine what kind of country we want to be, and that EU membership has given us […]
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