News and opinion

How did we get here? The SNP’s unravelling political strategy and the 2024 UK General Election. With an image of the author Mark McGeoghegan, and an yes and no sign from the independence referendum.

How did we get here? The SNP’s unravelling political strategy and the 2024 UK General Election.

For the first time in eight years, Scotland will have an election that is not first and foremost about Scottish secession from the United Kingdom. Mark McGeoghegan writes on the dynamics of the constitutional debate in Scotland and the disarming of the SNP’s most powerful electoral narratives.
Social security in a devolved UK, Realities, risks & opportunities for families. With an image of a family walking along a coastal path.

Social security in a devolved UK: realities, risks & opportunities for families

This month, Dr Hayley Bennett, Prof Ruth Patrick, and Dr Mark Simpson launched their new project, ‘Social security in a devolved UK: realities, risks & opportunities for families’, funded by the Nuffield Foundation. In this blog they introduce the purpose and aims of the project over the next 2 years.
New Caledonia and Unrealized Decolonization

New Caledonia and Unrealized Decolonization

New Caledonia has erupted in violence in recent weeks. At least six people are dead, the related riots have caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damage, and French President Emmanuel Macron has flown to the other side of the world to soothe the tensions. What is going on?
2024 Catalan election. Is it the end of the ‘Process’, as we know it? With an image of Salvador Illa,

2024 Catalan election: is it the end of the ‘Process’, as we know it?

Last Sunday’s elections in Catalonia resulted in a Parliament without a nationalist majority. There is a real chance of a hung parliament since there are no easily achievable coalitions to sustain a stable government. Here, Núria Franco-Guillén and Ivan Serrano Balaguer explore whether the days of independence mobilisation are over.
Fractured Union with Michael Kenny. Book Launch. With an image of the book cover and Michael Kenny the author.

'Fractured Union' with Michael Kenny

We are delighted to host Prof. Michael Kenny for the launch of his latest book, Fractured Union: Politics, Sovereignty, and the Fight to Save the UK (Hurst).
Painting England’s Towns  (and Cities) Red. The 2024 Metro-Mayoral Elections. Thursday 2nd of May delivered a bumper set of elections across England for local and subnational government. However, as metro mayors have become recognisable figures across their regions, there remains unfinished business for English Devolution. Paul Anderson. Senior Lecturer in Politics Liverpool John Moores University. With an image of Paul Anderson, and red paint encroaching on blue paint.

Painting England’s Towns (and Cities) Red: The 2024 Metro-Mayoral Elections

Thursday 2nd of May delivered a bumper set of elections across England for local and subnational government. However, as metro mayors have become recognisable figures across their regions, there remains unfinished business for English Devolution.
The 2024 Basque election and the region's long-term political landscape. While the rise of EH Bildu might suggest a heightening of pro-independence demands in the Basque Country, the public are more concerned about social and economic matters. Caroline Gray. Lecturer in Politics and International Relations Aston University. With an image of Caroline Gray and the Guggenheim, Bilbao.

The 2024 Basque election and the region's long-term political landscape

While the rise of EH Bildu might suggest a heightening of pro-independence demands in the Basque Country, the public are more concerned about social and economic matters.
A Week That Changed Scottish Politics? From Humza Yousaf to John Swinney. Mark McGeoghegan writes on how Humza Yousaf’s termination of the Bute House Agreement (BHA) was rooted in broader political processes affecting the Scottish independence movement, which continue to be relevant beyond its collapse for his successor as First Minister, John Swinney. With an image of Mark Mcgeogehan and Bute House.

A Week That Changed Scottish Politics? From Humza Yousaf to John Swinney

Mark McGeoghegan writes on how Humza Yousaf’s termination of the Bute House Agreement (BHA) was rooted in broader political processes affecting the Scottish independence movement, which continue to be relevant beyond its collapse for his successor as First Minister, John Swinney.
Redefining Britain’s relationship with the EU after Brexit: Scotland, Wales and the new politics of Europe. Dr. Rachel Minto, Wales Governance Centre, Cardiff University Dr. Carolyn Rowe, Aston Centre for Europe, Aston University Dr. Elin Royles, Aberystwyth University. Image of Europe.

Redefining Britain’s relationship with the EU after Brexit: Scotland, Wales and the new politics of Europe

The UK’s withdrawal from the EU has had a fundamental impact on devolved government’s ability to influence the UK Government’s position in relation to the EU. We discuss the ways in which Scottish and Welsh perspectives shape the new relationship between the UK and the EU.