Reforging the Union: Devolution and Constitutional Change in the United Kingdom

Abstract

Devolution to Scotland and Wales represents a major constitutional change in the United Kingdom. It responds to changes in British politics and in Europe, which have necessitated a renegotiation of the union that underpins the United Kingdom. The Scottish proposals are more radical than those for Wales, while English regional government change has been postponed for the time being. Possible areas of difficulty in the new arrangements include finance, relations with Westminster, partisan conflict, and Scotland's position in Europe. Devolution is likely to continue for some years before a stable settlement is reached.