Nicola McEwen

Role

Fellow, Centre on Constitutional Change

Institution

University of Edinburgh

Job title

Professor of Territorial Politics

Email address

N.McEwen@ed.ac.uk

Phone number

+44 (0)131 651 1831

Biography

Nicola is Co-Director of the CCC. She leads the CCC's research on devolution and inter-institutional relations as a Fellow on our ongoing major ESRC-funded project, Between Two Unions: The Constitutional Future of the Islands after Brexit. She oversees the Centre's extensive programme of knowledge exchange, ensuring that academic research and expertise informs decisions and understanding of constitutional change.

Nicola is also a Senior Fellow within the UK in a Changing Europe, an initiative supported by the ESRC to examine the UK's relationship with the EU and to inform the Brexit process. She leads its research on devolution and the impact of Brexit on the future of the UK. Her new project, entitled A Family of Nations? Brexit, Devolution and the Union, explores intergovernmental relations in UK-EU negotiations, future trade negotiations, the development of the UK domestic market, and the effects of Brexit on the politics of independence. In addition, she is part of a project team exploring the potential effects of Brexit for the multi-level governance of energy, supported by the UK Energy Research Centre.

Nicola was previously Principal Investigator of one of the UK in a Changing Europe's prestigious Brexit Priority Grants, which examined the Repatriation of Competences and the Implications for Devolution. Other recent research projects include an ESRC Senior Scotland Fellowship exploring the implications of Scottish independence for cross-border relations. She is a Fellow of the Constitution Unit at University College London.

Nicola has published widely in the field of territorial politics, nationalism, devolution, and multi-level parties and elections. She is actively involved in informing debate within the wider policy and political community. She frequently provides expert media commentary and advice to parliamentarians and governments, regularly takes part in public and stakeholder events, and offers tailored briefings and consultancy upon request.

Recent academic publications can be found at: https://www.sps.ed.ac.uk/staff/nicola-mcewen

Expertise

Voting

See all fellows

Posts by this author

Brexit

Trust in a Time of Brexit

28 November 2017 | Nicola McEwen

The fundamental issue with Clause 11 of the EU (Withdrawal) Bill, which allows the UK parliament and government to retain competence in areas of devolved responsibility, is one of trust, says Nicola McEwen.

Independence and the Union

With or without you…? The EU Withdrawal Bill, the devolved institutions and legislative consent

12 September 2017 | Nicola McEwen

The EU Withdrawal Bill passed its first parliamentary hurdle in the House of Commons on Monday night. On Tuesday, both the Scottish Government and the Welsh Government tabled legislative consent memorandums making clear their opposition to the Bill as it stands. Nicola McEwen highlights the key issues at stake for devolution, and considers some next steps.

Devolution

Can UK intergovernmental relations be rebooted?

19 June 2017 | Nicola McEwen

Brexit poses profound challenges for relations between the UK and devolved governments. But, can the lack of understanding and trust that characterised intergovernmental relations in the months before the election give way to more positive relationships?

Independence and the Union

Negotiating Brexit in a devolved state: The dynamics of intergovernmental relations

1 December 2016 | Nicola McEwen

Theresa May has repeatedly declared her commitment to involving the devolved governments in the Brexit process. In this post, Nicola McEwen discusses the likely dynamics of Brexit negotiations between the UK’s four governments. She argues that if the intergovernmental process fails to give a meaningful voice to the devolved governments this could have serious and long-lasting repercussions for territorial politics across the UK.

Man holds Scotland flag with EU stars on it

Independence and the Union

Disunited Kingdom: Will Brexit spark the disintegration of the UK?

31 August 2016 | Nicola McEwen

The vote to leave the European Union has ignited the debate about the future of the United Kingdom. Could Scotland be on the verge of independence? Nicola McEwen investigates.

Independence and the Union

Brexit Reflections - One answer, many questions?

27 June 2016 | Nicola McEwen

Nicola McEwen looks down the path ahead and asks; How does the UK leave the EU? When do we leave? What does leave mean? And what does it all mean for Scotland?