EU referendum
Brexit and the tragedy of Europe
Is the EU in danger of collapse following the UK’s decision to leave? Miguel Angel Lara Otaola writes that Brexit represents a key challenge for Europe’s post-war system of open markets, cooperation between nations, stability, and peace. He argues that both the UK and the rest of the EU will need to be constructive in […]
The under 30s in the UK: A generation used to not getting what they voted for
The EU Referendum underlined a clear disconnect between the ruling elites and the electorate, writes Benjamin Bowman. Disappointment with political choices is particularly marked among the younger generation, whose disaffection exemplifies a deeper depolitisation. Much can be learned from recent episodes such as the Iraq War and the increase in tuition fees if we are […]
What does ‘Brexit means Brexit’ actually mean?
Theresa May has famously stated that ‘Brexit means Brexit’, but what does this actually mean (if anything)? Sionaidh Douglas-Scott examines the legal implications of triggering Art. 50. The position of referendums in UK constitutional law is very hazy, she notes, and previous UK-EU negotiations on crucial matters have often been shrouded in secrecy, with the […]
The aftermath of the Brexit vote – the verdict from a derided expert
John Van Reenen was disappointed but not surprised by the UK’s vote to Leave the EU. Whilst his own research predicts serious economic and political damage in the case of Brexit, he thought a Leave vote was a real possibility ever since David Cameron committed to a vote in 2013. In his last post as Director of LSE’s Centre for […]
How will we decide who can stay? The fate of EU migrants post-Brexit
Uncertainty about the fate of EU nationals living in the UK continues. Jonathan Portes points out that the definition of “legal residency” is fraught with problems, and the administrative burden of establishing who can stay in Britain on that basis will be enormous. He proposes granting residency to those with a National Insurance number – […]
Thanks to the referendum, the tyranny of the majority has prevailed
Many people living in the UK, and some Britons outside it, had no vote in the referendum. Scotland and Northern Ireland chose to Remain but will be forced to leave. Arash Heydarian Pashakhanlou argues the UK has succumbed to the tyranny of the majority thanks to the decision to put EU membership to a referendum. […]
It would be a democratic travesty for Brexit not to be accepted simply because many of us don’t like it
The result of the referendum on the UK’s continued membership of the European Union has upset a great number of people, and some have suggested that the result should not be accepted. Here, Stephen Tierney asks ‘how democratic was the Brexit vote?’ and concludes that to not accept the result would constitute a democratic outrage. […]
The Brexit shambles: Charting a path through the rubble
In a paper published this week by Nuffield College, Oxford Jim Gallagher argues that in responding to June’s Brexit vote the UK and Scottish governments must proceed rationally, on the basis of the evidence, and pursue the national interest. They should not feel bound by the Leave campaign’s promises and should seek to stay in, […]
The ultimate causes of Brexit: history, culture, and geography
Xenophobia, austerity, and dissatisfaction with politics may have contributed to the Brexit vote. But James Dennison and Noah Carl write that, although a number of concerns may have tipped the balance, Brexit was ultimately decided by more than recent events. Here, they demonstrate how the UK has been the least well-integrated EU member state, and so the […]
Brexit and Northern Ireland: key issues and possible consequences
In this post Alan Whysall sets out the key issues for Northern Ireland in the upcoming Brexit negotiations and examines the likely consequences. He suggests that, if things do not go well, there is a risk of the unwinding of political and social progress. It is urgent that the options for Northern Ireland are quickly […]
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