News and opinion

Supreme Court

Supreme Court doubles down on the UK referendum position

In rapid Court verdict on legislative competence, the justices assert that even referendums that do not directly change the law have political legitimacy. Richard Parry discusses the political implications and the balance of victory and defeat for both sides
Question mark

Scotland's Constitutional Future

EVENT - 22 November 2022

As we emerge from Brexit and the Covid crisis, and in the midst of the cost-of-living crisis, are the powers of the Scottish Parliament still fit for purpose? Is there a more optimal balance of powers for Scotland within the Union? Is federalism a viable option for the UK, and what would it look like? Alternatively, what would it mean for Scotland to be independent in today’s world? What would be the economic and political challenges facing Scotland were it to become an independent country?
Illustration of people talking

Scottish Independence And The UK Government’s Unreasonable Refusal To Negotiate

In October 2022, the UK Supreme Court heard arguments on the legal viability of a second Scottish independence referendum, in a reference brought by the Lord Advocate. The purpose of this exploratory blog is not to rerun the argument of this case, but to raise additional points against the UK Government’s conduct in refusing to negotiate with Scotland on independence.
Economic Policy Proposal

The SNP’s Currency Proposals

On 17th October, Nicola Sturgeon presented the SNP’s economic proposals for an independent Scotland, including on the currency. Albeit with slightly less fanfare, on the same day I published a report, Twenty-First Century Central Banking and an Independent Scotland’s Currency Choice.
Supreme Court

Truss and Sturgeon wait for the Supreme Court

After the Supreme Court oral hearings, Richard Parry assesses the submissions of both sides on an independence referendum and the way the case might be decided
Dr Iain Hardie's report - 21st Central Banking & an Independent Scotland's Currency

New currency best option for Scotland, says report by expert on political economy

A new currency would be better for an independent Scotland than an informal currency union with the UK, according to a new report on developments in central banking by the Centre on Constitutional Change.
Screenshot of video: Brexit and devolution

WATCH: Brexit and devolution

How has Brexit affected the relationship between the UK and devolved governments? A new animation from the Centre on Constitutional Change explains the impact of Brexit on devolution.
Image of traffic lights showing directional go lights and stop lights

From conflict to procedures: Taming independence referendums

Francesco Palermo of the University of Verona writes for our blog series on the domestic political implications and international echoes of the independence bid in Catalonia, a collaboration with the Institute for Comparative Federalism at EURAC Research.
Photo of Le Devoir newspaper

The media coverage of the Catalan self-determination process in Canada

André Lecours of the University of Ottawa writes for our blog series on the domestic political implications and international echoes of the independence bid in Catalonia, a collaboration with the Institute for Comparative Federalism at EURAC Research.