The constitutional implications of a second referendum The idea of a second EU referendum of some kind, though highly controversial, is now a prominent part of public debate in the UK. Whatever view one takes of the first vote, either of its … [Read more...] about The constitutional implications of a second EU referendum
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Publications
Constitutional Stewardship: a role for state or public sector bodies?
This paper examines the uncodified constitutions of both United Kingdom and New Zealand, focusing and comparing the duties of constitutional stewardship for state and public sector bodies. Despite the absence of written or codified constitutions, … [Read more...] about Constitutional Stewardship: a role for state or public sector bodies?
The House of Lords: Conventions and Brexit
This paper examines the role of the House of Lords in Britain’s exit from the European Union. The paper focuses on the future passage of the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill in the House of Lords. It begins with a discussion of conventions which … [Read more...] about The House of Lords: Conventions and Brexit
Negotiating Brexit: The Legal Landscape
Richard Gordon QC and Alastair Sutton present their new Constitution Society report - Negotiating Brexit: The Legal Landscape. Brexit is a development of substantial political, economic and constitutional importance to Europe as a whole. Its effect … [Read more...] about Negotiating Brexit: The Legal Landscape
Brexit and the Territorial Constitution: Devolution, Reregulation and Inter-governmental Relations
Professor Richard Rawlings' new Constitution Society publication discusses the implications of Brexit for the balance of power between central and devolved governance in the context of regulatory frameworks. It shows how the issue involves not only … [Read more...] about Brexit and the Territorial Constitution: Devolution, Reregulation and Inter-governmental Relations
Scrutiny of Delegated Legislation in Relation to the UK’s Withdrawal from the European Union
This Constitution Society report examines the standards of parliamentary scrutiny of delegated legislation in relation to Brexit. The European Union (Withdrawal) Bill delegates powers to Ministers to make instruments for various purposes arising from … [Read more...] about Scrutiny of Delegated Legislation in Relation to the UK’s Withdrawal from the European Union
House of Commons Select Committees & the UK Constitution
Select Committees are a well-established part of the UK's political landscape. This paper by Constitution Society research fellow Lucy Atkinson is based on the qualitative responses from practitioners as well as historical research. The author … [Read more...] about House of Commons Select Committees & the UK Constitution
Government in 2017: Mandates, Manifestos and Coalitions
In light of the currently unstable parliamentary position, this Constitution Society pamphlet on Mandates, Manifestos and Coalitions by Thomas Quinn from 2014 provides an analysis of some of the issues involved. One of the most important … [Read more...] about Government in 2017: Mandates, Manifestos and Coalitions
Brexit & the UK Constitution – 2016/17 year in review
2016/17 has been a turbulent year politically. We saw a vote to leave the European Union (EU), a change of Prime Minister, a Supreme Court judgment imposing limits on the powers of the executive, the triggering of Article 50 and the call of a snap … [Read more...] about Brexit & the UK Constitution – 2016/17 year in review
Sir Thomas Legg on Government and the Rule of Law: Reflections on a Career at the Frontier
Text from a talk given by Sir Thomas Legg on Tuesday 9 May 2017, for History & Policy at King's College London. 'Government and the Rule of Law' is also available in an audio format here. Introduction This talk is going to be half-way … [Read more...] about Sir Thomas Legg on Government and the Rule of Law: Reflections on a Career at the Frontier
Entrenchment in the UK: A written constitution by default?
Entrenchment in the UK Constitution - a written constitution by default? It is common in many political systems for some rules – especially those of a constitutional nature – to be afforded a special priority over others of a more regular nature, … [Read more...] about Entrenchment in the UK: A written constitution by default?
Andrew Kennon’s extended notes on ‘Brexit and the House of Commons’ from our ‘Brexit and the Constitution’ Conference
These are extended notes from a talk given by Andrew Kennon at the Constitution Society’s seminar on ‘Brexit and the Constitution’, on 5 May 2017 at St Matthew’s Conference Centre, London. Andrew spoke on our 'Brexit and Parliament' panel, focusing … [Read more...] about Andrew Kennon’s extended notes on ‘Brexit and the House of Commons’ from our ‘Brexit and the Constitution’ Conference