EU referendum
Desperate times and desperate measures: Could the UK force the EU to negotiate before Article 50 is triggered?
Many on the British side have suggested initial deals should be hammered out before the Article 50 process begins. However, France and Germany are set against early negotiations and now appear to welcome Brexit as an opportunity to pursue greater EU integration. Sean Swan argues that, with strong and coherent leadership, Britain could potentially use […]
Detoxifying the UK’s exit from the EU: a multi-national compromise is possible
Public discussions about how the UK is to exit from the European Union have been too simplified, and have failed to come up with any solution that recognizes that only England and Wales in fact voted to leave. Brendan O’Leary outlines a way forward where those nations wanting to remain in the EU might be […]
The EU referendum saw the return of class-prediction voting (with a vengeance)
The repercussions of the UK’s decision to abandon its membership of the European Union keep coming, with Boris Johnson seemingly heading for Downing Street. Here, Alun Wyburn-Powell picks over the result, focusing on democratic engagement, polling miscalculations, and the return of class-prediction voting. Similar PostsA great or Pyrrhic victory? The dangers ahead for Boris JohnsonNorthern […]
On immigration, the biggest decisions are yet to come
The UK’s decision to vote for Brexit seemingly with immigration a large part of their motivation has led to much speculation as to the exact difference that whatever new arrangement emerges will make to immigration figures. Here, Marley Morris argues that an outward-looking vision is achievable; it has after all been promoted by most of […]
Assuming Brexit takes place, we are at the beginning of a fundamental transition – but we do not know where it will lead us
The political ramifications of Brexit keep making themselves known, with Labour pondering Leadership change, the Prime Minister resigning, and Scotland perhaps heading for a second independence referendum. Here, Andrew Blick looks at the constitutional ramifications of Brexit, arguing that if it goes ahead, we are on the brink of fundamental constitutional change. Similar PostsTo appreciate the importance of […]
The Brexit debate is far from over: there will have to be a further vote
Britain has voted for Brexit. What comes next is remarkably unclear. James Strong argues that four questions remain, and whether it is a general election or a second referendum, further polls will be required. Similar PostsWhy there should be a general election before Article 50 is triggeredA great or Pyrrhic victory? The dangers ahead for […]
Epitaph for a political chancer: Cameron’s fate examplifies the inability of UK elites to resolve long-run crises
David Cameron’s announcement that he is stepping down as Prime Minister capped a night of unprecedented referendum triumph for the ‘Brexiteers’ on the Conservative right and in UKIP in overthrowing Britain’s 43 year old membership of the European Union. Patrick Dunleavy considers the lessons that Cameron learned too late to save his premiership. Similar PostsWhat […]
Who will succeed David Cameron? A brief history of takeover Prime Ministers
Following David Cameron’s announcement that he will resign following the EU referendum, Ben Worthy assesses the experiences of Prime Ministers who have taken over mid-term, and considers what can be taken from this as we look forward to the upcoming Tory leadership battle. Similar PostsGoing, Going, Gone: How Safe is David Cameron?A tale of two […]
Britain votes to leave the EU, here’s what happens next
Leave has won the UK referendum on our continued membership of the EU, meaning that it is likely that the Prime Minister will shortly set in train a series of events and decisions that will shape our relationship with the continent for the future. Here, Gavin Barrett looks over what those events and decisions are. […]
Is the EU really run by unelected bureaucrats?
Much of the UK’s referendum debate has focused on the extent to which EU decision-making is democratic, with the European Commission a source of particular criticism from leave campaigners on the basis that it is unelected. Simon Hix writes that while there are legitimate problems with the EU’s system of democracy, there is little to […]
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