Building sub-national government
Will the Scottish referendum (whatever the outcome) lead to a federal constitution for the UK?
Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones has suggested the UK’s unwritten constitution is no longer able to manage the complexities of devolution, a problem that will need to be addressed regardless of the choice Scotland makes in the independence referendum. Dr Mark Elliott argues this raises important questions not only about the extent of devolution, but […]
National identity and party affiliation are set to play a key role in the Scottish referendum, whose result is more uncertain than opinion polls suggest
‘DevoMax’ will not be an option on the ballot paper in the Scottish Independence Referendum this year even though it is more popular among the electorate than independence. Arno van der Zwet and Craig McAngus explore how Scottish attitudes to the two options vary according to national and party identity. They find that perceptions of national identity polarises assessments […]
An independent Scotland may find it impossible to pursue a more liberal immigration policy
With the prospects for Scottish independence still uncertain as we edge closer to November 2014’s referendum, not much attention has been focussed on an issue which animates voters of all political persuasions: immigration. Christina Boswell argues that public opinion, and cross-border pressures from the UK and the EU may constrain the noble aspirations of the Scottish Government […]
100 things we learned about democracy in 2013: Part four
To mark the end of 2013, Democratic Audit has collected 100 of the most important, surprising and downright disturbing things we have learned about democracy this year. Here is part four of our list, covering everything from Parliamentary select committees to Cornish national identity. Similar Posts100 things we learned about democracy in 2013: Part three […]
100 things we learned about democracy in 2013: Part three
To mark the end of 2013, Democratic Audit has collected 100 of the most important, surprising and downright disturbing things we have learned about democracy this year. Here is part three of our list, covering everything from non-voting lothario Russell Brand to the (financial) value of your vote. Similar Posts100 things we learned about democracy […]
100 things we learned about democracy in 2013: Part two
To mark the end of 2013, Democratic Audit has collected 100 of the most important, surprising and downright disturbing things we have learned about democracy this year. Here is part two of our list, ranging from Australian coups and the expanding Lords to neighbourhood planning and the political impact of a pair of red trousers. […]
100 things we learned about democracy in 2013: Part one
To mark the end of 2013, Democratic Audit has collected 100 of the most important, surprising and downright disturbing things we have learned about democracy this year. Here is part one of our list, ranging from toddlers and tweeting MPs to workplace democracy and the lonely Wigan Tory. Similar Posts100 things we learned about democracy […]
Don’t expect meaningful fiscal devolution for Wales any time soon
The debate about the appropriate level of fiscal autonomy for Wales in the wake of the publication the Silk Commission rumbles on. But while it once looked likely that the Welsh Assembly Government would gain meaningful tax raising and spending powers, the prospects are now less bright. Adam Evans argues that a deadly concoction of political incompetence […]
The Scottish independence referendum need not include the rest of the UK, even though they are affected
Scotland’s decision in the upcoming independence referendum will have serious implications for the whole UK. It has been argued that all UK citizens outside Scotland should therefore be entitled to vote on Scottish independence, in line with the ‘all affected interests’ principle of democratic theory. Ben Saunders asks whether we should apply this principle to […]
Survey research suggests that ‘ever looser union’ is the direction of travel for the UK
The debate in the Scottish independence referendum suggests even a no vote will be followed by greater autonomy for Scotland. In Wales, too, the National Assembly has extended its powers and may continue to do so, while England is also seeing clamour for devolution. In this post Richard Wyn Jones questions whether the UK’s institutions […]
Democratic Audit's core funding is provided by the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust. Additional funding is provided by the London School of Economics.