In 1912, the shipyard of Harland and Wolff in East Belfast produced a ship that was state of the art, a marvel of engineering, “designed to be unsinkable”. As it traversed the iceberg-laden waters of the North Atlantic on its maiden voyage at high … [Read more...] about The Titanic Struggle over the Illegal Migration Act
Search Results for: Belfast Good Friday agreement
On the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill
The Northern Ireland Protocol Bill passed its second reading in the House of Commons last Monday. The Bill seeks to ease the delays on goods being brought from Great Britain into Northern Ireland by ensuring only those destined for the … [Read more...] about On the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill
The politics of the Northern Ireland Protocol
Introduction Much like Brexit itself, the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement’s Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland remains an on-going point of contention. It has left an indelible mark on politics both within Northern Ireland and in Westminster, and … [Read more...] about The politics of the Northern Ireland Protocol
Northern Ireland and its (other) constitutional issues
Traditionally in Northern Ireland (or NI) mention of constitutional change has meant only one thing: United Kingdom (UK) vs United Ireland (UI). Known simply as ‘the constitutional question’, the issue to which this juxtaposition points – … [Read more...] about Northern Ireland and its (other) constitutional issues
On orthodoxy and unanswered questions: the Allister ruling and why it matters
The background In February 2021 judicial review proceedings challenging the lawfulness of the Northern Ireland Protocol were brought against the Prime Minister, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, and the Chancellor of the Duchy by Mr … [Read more...] about On orthodoxy and unanswered questions: the Allister ruling and why it matters
Devolution
On this page you will find discussion and analysis of devolution. The content here is specifically designed for A level politics and early undergraduate level students looking to deepen their understanding of the topic. At A level specifically, the … [Read more...] about Devolution
How Dublin’s Next Coalition Could Define Northern Ireland’s Destiny
Voters in the Republic of Ireland went to the polls in late November. After several rounds of counting in the complex proportional representation system, Fianna Fáil proved the winner, securing 48 of the 174 seats available, ahead of Sinn Féin on 39 … [Read more...] about How Dublin’s Next Coalition Could Define Northern Ireland’s Destiny
Conference: France-United Kingdom – Two Constitutions After Brexit
On Friday 13 May, The Constitution Society held a conference at the French Senate in Paris looking at a range of topical constitutional issues – from the Northern Ireland Protocol to retained EU law. Recordings from the various panels and talks given … [Read more...] about Conference: France-United Kingdom – Two Constitutions After Brexit
Northern Ireland and Brexit: An Explanation by Lisa Claire Whitten
Northern Ireland was at the heart of the protracted UK-EU withdrawal negotiations and the solution that was eventually reached – the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland – has proved controversial. It has caused economic, social and political … [Read more...] about Northern Ireland and Brexit: An Explanation by Lisa Claire Whitten
Northern Ireland: a constitutional exception and why it matters
Introduction In the process of the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union – Brexit – Northern Ireland has played a starring role. Although largely overlooked in the early stages of the process, the ‘unique circumstances’ and … [Read more...] about Northern Ireland: a constitutional exception and why it matters
Direct democracy
On this page you will find discussion and analysis of direct democracy. The content here is specifically designed for A level politics and early undergraduate level students looking to deepen their understanding of the topic. At A level specifically, … [Read more...] about Direct democracy
The Constitutional Implications of the Casement Park Upgrade
One of the most urgent matters on the desk of new Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn is the redevelopment of the west-Belfast sports stadium, Casement Park. The Prime Minister is reported to have told the football governing body, UEFA, that he … [Read more...] about The Constitutional Implications of the Casement Park Upgrade