Tag: Akash Paun
The Scottish Parliament has rejected the Brexit bill – are we heading for a second independence referendum?
The Scottish Parliament has denied consent to the EU Withdrawal Bill. Akash Paun argues that the Prime Minister now faces an unpalatable choice: concede defeat or help the SNP make the case for a second independence referendum.
Sadiq Khan wants more devolution for London. But will he get it?
Sadiq Khan is keen for London to acquire more control over health, education and taxes – as well as powers to offset the likely impact of Brexit, such as a London-only work permit. But will he get his way? Akash Paun points out the powers of the Mayor and Assembly fall far short of the […]
Can Scotland avoid Brexit? It depends on politics, not law
The UK has voted to leave the European Union (EU), but 62% of Scottish voters, including a majority in every local authority area, backed Remain. This has triggered a debate about what power Scotland has to prevent itself being pulled out of the EU against the wishes of its government, parliament and voters. Akash Paun […]
Barnett and beyond: time for a new system for funding devolution?
Last Wednesday’s Autumn Statement and Spending Review set out spending limits for the rest of the parliament, not only for UK government departments but also for the separate Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland governments. Akash Paun explains how this works, and how it’s growing more complicated. Similar PostsScottish devolution will now have a bigger fiscal […]
EVEL intentions, or a necessary solution? Experts respond to the Government’s English Votes for English Laws proposals
The Leader of the House of Commons, Chris Grayling, last week announced the introduction of English Votes for English Laws – a new constitutional settlement to provide an answer to the “West Lothian Questions”. Democratic Audit asked experts Andrew Blick, Louise Thompson, Alan Trench, and Akash Paun to give their take on the proposals. Similar PostsThe […]
There are large gaps between the parties in their aspirations for what comes next for Scotland
Just three weeks ago the people of Scotland voted to stay in the UK. This week, as Akash Paun explains, the debate on the next phase of devolution began in earnest as Scotland’s five main political parties (the four you would guess plus the Scottish Greens) submitted their proposals to Lord Smith of Kelvin – the one-man commission charged with […]
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