‘The question is not whether the EU will accept or reject these plans. Of course it will reject them. The question is whether the EU will engage in discussion about a future trade relationship, even knowing what these plans are.’
Kicking the can down the road to Norway
‘ The story of betrayal is already being constructed. It is a dispiriting prophecy that foretells we will still be arguing about our relationship with Europe, and only that, in four years’ time’.
Drop the EU Continuity Bill
‘It would be unreasonable of the Scottish government to object to temporary reservation as a matter of principle…Equally, it would be unreasonable of the UK government to insist that such temporary reservations can be without limit of time, just to give themselves leverage in the negotiation of the replacement. The scope for compromise is obvious, and as a result this legislation… can be dropped.’
Conventional wisdom: Brexit, devolution and Sewel
“It is inevitable that the balance of power between the devolved and central governments will shift, with more power going to the former, unless the UK government actively chooses what Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones has described as a ‘land grab’ “. The Sewel implications of the UK Supreme Court judgment.
Sturgeon’s confederal Brexit solution
“Maybe, like Theresa May, she’s (Nicola Sturgeon) gradually realising that what party zealots want and the country needs are not the same. So perhaps her opponents should not be mocking her political incoherence, but encouraging her to edge closer towards a solution the majority of Scots might sign up for.”
Toxic referendums and territorial constitutions
“People often talk about federalism as if it were a solution for the UK. In truth the UK is already moving beyond it, to a more confederal solution. But a confederation needs policies and institutions of shared rule, as well as self-rule.” Prof Gallagher sets out his own ideas in a piece based on his lecture at Glasgow University on October 10.
Win, win for Scotland?
At the eleventh hour, the Treasury and Scottish Government reached a deal. Jim Gallagher gives credit where it’s due – to both sides – but now the SNP Government have to tell voters how they will use their extensive new powers.
Why no deal on fiscal detriment?
As talks on the fiscal framework remain deadlocked, is John Swinney holding out for the best deal he can get or looking to rzeje3ct anything on offer for domestic political gain? A St Andrew’s House kremlinologist investigates.
Constitutional generosity is only way forward
A year on from the referendum Scotland remains a deeply divided nation. A revised and expanded Scotland Bill giving the Scottish Government powers to build a socially more just society within a unitary British state – the third unused option last year – could settle matters “for a generation.”
EVEL: Westminster is and will be England’s Parliament
Prof Jim Gallagher, former head of devolution in Whitehall, finds serious fault with the government’s plans for English devo and urges a much better consensus