The Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales reported in January 2024. The Commission had both independent experts and party political nominees on it, produced a unanimous report, and found that the three main constitutional options they focused on - enhanced devolution, a federal UK and an independent Wales - were all viable (each with their own strengths … [Read more...] about Options and challenges for Wales’s constitutional future
federalism
UK-wide constitutional reform is an unavoidable must
The four constituent nations of the United Kingdom (UK) exist within a unitary state which is not underpinned by the transparent checks and balances of a formal written constitution. Many are appalled when they realise that the UK’s uncodified constitutional practices can seemingly vary on a fancy, depending on where a clause sits in a Bill and is debated, and whether … [Read more...] about UK-wide constitutional reform is an unavoidable must
Why language matters
Language is not neutral. Words convey meaning and prisms through which meaning is established. But words can also be prisons. And few terms confine us more than sovereignty. Its origins are instructive. Like much political theory, sovereignty has roots in theology. The Sovereign was the Jealous One, the Indivisible, the Unlimited, the All Powerful in perpetuity. It is … [Read more...] about Why language matters
Scottish Labour for Radical Democracy
Young Scottish Labour activists (average age around 30) have responded to their party’s historic defeat/low poll (18%) on December 12 with the statement on self-determination below.At the same time, several senior party figures, including Neil Findlay MSP on the Left and Monica Lennon MSP, have given backing in principle to the SG/SNP demand for #indyref2.Like others, … [Read more...] about Scottish Labour for Radical Democracy
Looking back five years on….
Brexit has shown that a referendum cannot resolve complex questions. It may give authority to a broad framework and guidance on a direction of travel but will not bring finality. Too much will be left open to interpretation and the context will change in the future raising new and unexpected questions. The political battle will continue, perhaps … [Read more...] about Looking back five years on….