News and opinion
Why Scotland’s election result is unlikely to hasten a referendum
In a recent article for The Guardian, Michael Keating discusses the split on independence in Scotland, and how a lengthy constitutional stalemate seems likely.
The Scottish Parliamentary Elections and the “Second Referendum” Debate
Following the Scottish Parliamentary Elections, Stephen Tierney notes that the political landscape remains both uncertain and challenging and may well remain fraught for a long time to come.
Does a majority of seats from pro-independence parties in the Scottish Parliament provide a mandate for a second independence referendum?
Most sides like to claim that they have the people on their side…that they have a mandate for action…Following the 2019 General Election in which the Conservatives won 56% of the seats (365/650), Boris Johnson claimed he had a mandate to get Brexit done. Also following that election, the SNP won 81% of the Scottish seats (48/59) and so Nicola Sturgeon claimed to have a mandate for the Scottish Parliament to be given the right to decide upon a second independence referendum.
Long Read: Community, church and culture in boundary-making: the legacies of partition in the two parts of Ireland.
In a talk prepared for the BBC at Queen’s University Belfast, Jennifer Todd reflects on the legacies of partition one hundred years on.
The constitutional prospects of the sixth Senedd
The sixth devolved election in Wales is novel in a variety of ways. It is the first Welsh election in which 16-17-year-olds will participate, yet one taking place amid a global pandemic and ongoing public health measures.
Party Manifesto Support for a Scottish Council on Global Affairs
Professor Juliet Kaarbo, Professor Peter Jackson and Professor Phillips O’Brien discuss the potential of a Scottish Council on Global Affairs:- what it is, what it would do and the level of cross-party support for the initiative.
Breaking the Mould? Small parties in the 2021 Scottish parliament elections
Alistair Clark explores the relevance of small parties in the upcoming election, arguing that while small parties tend to have fluctuating fortunes, they have become a permanent presence in Scottish politics. For more on small parties, see Alistair's contribution to our recent ebook.
The UNCRC and European Charter of Local Self-Government Bill References: Once (and twice) more unto the breach?
Dr Chris McCorkindale explores the political, legal and constitutional factors behind the UK Government's decision to refer two Acts of the Scottish Parliament to the Supreme Court.
Scottish independence: Lessons from the Brexit process?
Benjamin Martill writes: Scottish independence is back on the agenda, largely thanks to Brexit, which has provided the ‘material change in circumstances’ necessary for a further challenge to the status quo.
