Category Archives: Devolution

Northern Ireland, Westminster, And The Question Of Abortion

Posted on June 8, 2018 by jasonloch

Ireland’s move to broaden access to abortion has placed Theresa May in an incredibly awkward position. Currently, Northern Ireland has the most restrictive abortion laws of any jurisdiction within the United Kingdom,[1] and many have argued that the events in … Continue reading →

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What’s Happening In Northern Ireland?

Posted on January 16, 2017 by jasonloch

  Devolved government in Northern Ireland has been dealt a major setback today when Sinn Fein announced that they wouldn’t nominate a new deputy First Minister following Martin McGuinness’ resignation last week. McGuinness resigned over a renewable energy scheme championed by First Minister … Continue reading →

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Could Scotland Block Brexit?

Posted on June 28, 2016 by jasonloch

There have been reports in the media that Nicola Sturgeon is threatening to use the Scottish Parliament to block Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union. It’s a bold claim, but could it actually happen? At the heart of the issue is something … Continue reading →

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Government Announces ‘English Votes For English Laws’ Plans

Posted on December 16, 2014 by jasonloch

Today, William Hague issued a Command Paper that sets out four options (three from the Conservatives and one from the Liberal Democrats) to address the West Lothian Question. Option No. 1 (Tories) would effectively ban non-English MPs from considering England-only legislation. Second Reading debates … Continue reading →

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Labour’s English Committee Won’t Answer the West Lothian Question

Posted on December 13, 2014 by jasonloch

The West Lothian Question is a topic of lively discussion in British politics at the moment. David Cameron has been touting the idea of ‘English votes for English laws,’ and he asked William Hague, the Leader of the Commons, to chair a Cabinet committee … Continue reading →

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Smith Commission Proposes New Powers for Scotland

Posted on November 27, 2014 by jasonloch

The Smith Commission has produced its long-awaited report on new powers for the Scottish Parliament. For the most part, it’s a fairly wonkish document that focuses on things like income tax and Air Passenger Duty, but there are some constitutional points … Continue reading →

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Sturgeon Demands Scottish Veto Over Brexit

Posted on October 30, 2014 by jasonloch

Nicola Sturgeon, the Deputy First Minister of Scotland, has made headlines by arguing that any attempt to take the United Kingdom out of the European Union should have the backing of all four nations. At the moment, foreign affairs are the exclusive … Continue reading →

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Scottish Devolution: Parties Outline More Powers for Scotland

Posted on October 15, 2014 by jasonloch

As the work of the Smith Commission[1] gets underway, political parties have unveiled their proposals for further Scottish devolution. Proposals from the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, and Labour are set out in a Command Paper that was published recently, while the Scottish … Continue reading →

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Why Is It So Hard to Answer the West Lothian Question?

Posted on September 22, 2014 by jasonloch

After it was clear that Scotland would stay in the Union, David Cameron made a bold statement: It is absolutely right that a new and fair settlement for Scotland should be accompanied by a new and fair settlement that applies to all parts … Continue reading →

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What is the Barnett Formula?

Posted on September 19, 2014 by jasonloch

The Barnett Formula has been getting a lot of airtime today as politicians and pundits discuss the future of the British constitution. So what is it, and why is it controversial? The Barnett Formula is the method used to distribute public … Continue reading →

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