Devolution

Ten years on from the Brexit referendum, this blog post analyses where relations stand between the UK and devolved governments on regulating the UK’s domestic market. Specifically, using Wales as a case study, it focuses on the legal and political … [Read more...] about The UK Internal Market Act: What it’s Meant for Devolution

In Wales a very different, values-led conversation on human rights has evolved over the last 15 years, one which exists in stark contrast to debates in England. Legislative initiatives such as the Rights of Children and Young Persons (Wales) … [Read more...] about Is it Time for a Welsh Human Rights Act?

Devolution was always described as a process and not an event. Well, the devolution journey has moved on to a new phase with the May elections in Scotland and Wales, with the result that three nationalist parties now hold power outside England. The … [Read more...] about What do the May Election Results Mean for Devolution?

The Sewel Convention sits at the centre of the UK’s territorial constitution. It is often presented as a simple principle: Westminster will not normally legislate on devolved matters without the consent of devolved legislatures. Named for … [Read more...] about Sewel, Elections and the Future of the Devolution Settlement

The serious, emotive and divisive topic of assisted dying is subject to significant debate, as well as attempts to change the law. Scotland saw a vote against the Assisted Dying for Terminally … [Read more...] about The End of the Assisted Dying (Scotland) Bill?

One of the core principles of international human rights law is universality. Universality means that human beings are endowed with equal human rights simply by virtue of being human, wherever they live and whoever they are, regardless of … [Read more...] about Human Rights: A New Front in the Battle Over Devolution?

Reform UK’s announcements on immigration and asylum have generated a lot of attention of late. While challenges and objections are expected, little has yet been written on what these challenges might be. This post considers some … [Read more...] about Legal and Devolution Challenges Lie Ahead for Reform’s Immigration Policy

For more than a decade, the question of Scotland’s place in the UK was at the front and centre of political debate – a determiner of voter behaviour and a precursor to the Scottish government’s legislative agenda. Through, and as a consequence of, … [Read more...] about A Quiet Union: The Calm Before the Storm?

In the May 2025 local government elections in England, Nigel Farage’s Reform party scored some notable successes. Mainly at the expense of the Conservatives. Reform won outright majorities in 10 local authorities – Kent, Durham, Lancashire, … [Read more...] about What can Reform do with their new power in local government?

English devolution has long been presented as decentralising political power. More often, it simply reinforces Westminster’s control. While the Labour Party was elected last year promising to take power away from SW1, early signs are that the Party’s … [Read more...] about Labour’s English Devolution Plans Risk More of the Same

Political institutions and structures inherently shape political parties and party systems. The decentralization of power between national and regional governments is no exception. In particular, as regional or devolved governments … [Read more...] about Devolution: a Faustian bargain for political parties?

Earlier this year the House of Lords Constitution Committee, which I Chair, embarked on an inquiry into relations between the UK Government and the governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Our previous work on this issue had identified a … [Read more...] about Baroness Drake on “The Governance of the Union”: The Latest Report From the House of Lords Constitution Committee