Tag Archives: devolution

What Is Section 35 Of The Scotland Act?

Posted on January 17, 2023 by jasonloch

After weeks of speculation, the Secretary of State for Scotland, Alister Jack, has blocked the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill from receiving Royal Assent. The law seeks to simplify the process of changing one’s legal gender in Scotland,[1] and Jack … Continue reading →

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The UK Internal Market Bill Could Open Pandora’s Box

Posted on September 15, 2020 by jasonloch

After taking a backseat to the COVID-19 pandemic over the last several months, Brexit is back in the headlines. The Government’s United Kingdom Internal Market Bill has provoked considerable outrage across the political spectrum due to the fact that its … Continue reading →

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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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Sir Seamus Treacy, The Privy Council, And Northern Ireland

Posted on April 28, 2018 by jasonloch

Tucked away in the list of orders approved at the April 24 meeting of the Privy Council is a curious entry: It is this day ordered by Her Majesty in Council that the name of Sir Seamus Treacy be removed … Continue reading →

Posted in Monarchy in Britain, The Monarchy | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

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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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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Miliband Wants to Replace Lords With Senate of Nations

Posted on November 2, 2014 by jasonloch

Yesterday, Ed Miliband promised to replace the House of Lords with an elected Senate if Labour wins office next May. At first blush, this seems like a dog-bites-man story. After all, Labour argued for a fully elected second chamber in their … 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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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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