BREXIT AND PARLIAMENTARY ‘SOVEREIGNTY’
The reality and myth of parliamentary sovereignty
10 04, 2019
3 04, 2019
Parliament risks failing out for want of an adequate voting procedure
by Ira Straus Chair, Centre for War-Peace Studies 3rd April 2019 Only a single transferable vote can guarantee a timely result. A confirmatory up-or-down vote could follow. Parliament’s effort to avert catastrophe has had to take the form of a procedural rebellion, given the conduct of the PM; but its [...]
28 03, 2019
Only a national government can prevent “no deal” Brexit
by Brendan DonnellyDirector, The Federal Trust 28th March 2019 At the time of writing it seems unlikely that the Withdrawal Agreement will be accepted by Parliament on 29th March, the day originally set for the UK to leave the EU. Parliament has decided that in these circumstances it will hold [...]
28 03, 2019
Where Next with Parliament’s Voting Procedures on the Multiple Options?
by Ira StrausChair, Center for War-Peace Studies 28th March 2019 In setting forth procedures for deciding its preference among the multiple Brexit options, Parliament has shown wisdom on one point, unwisdom on another. It is wise in allowing five calendar days for its members to converse and caucus among one [...]
22 03, 2019
The meaning of Theresa May’s one legitimate Red Line
by Ira Straus Chair, Center for War-Peace Studies 22 March 2019 Of all Theresa May’s red lines, one and only one is legitimately termed “Red”: the one that prohibits any Brexit that divides the United Kingdom. It is Red as it is a vital national interest, indeed the foremost of all [...]
18 03, 2019
BREXIT: “No Deal” is still on the table
by Brendan DonnellyDirector, The Federal Trust 18th March 2019 UPDATE 25/03/19:Last week the European Council gave the United Kingdom two further weeks to come up with a plan for avoiding a “no deal” Brexit. It is now up to Parliament to adopt such a plan and make the government adopt [...]
11 03, 2019
Brexit: two years into Article 50 – where are we?
27th March 2019 Joint event by the Federal Trust, Konrad-Adenauer-Foundation and Global Policy Institute A panel discussion reviewing the Brexit process just before the expiry of the 2-year deadline for the Article 50 procedure. Speakers: Baroness Smith of Newnham Director of the European Centre in the Department of Politics and [...]
8 03, 2019
Parliament: sovereign or supine?
by Dr Andrew BlickSenior Lecturer in Politics and Contemporary History at King’s College London; Senior Research Fellow at the Federal Trust 8th March 2019 Parliament, it might be tempting to believe, can now seize control of the Brexit agenda. But a closer examination of the present political environment reveals a picture less flattering to the heart of [...]
26 02, 2019
Brexit, Scottish Independence and Leaving a Union – Lessons to Learn?
by Dr Kirsty Hughes Director of the Scottish Centre on European Relations 22nd February 2019 This article was first published by the Scottish Centre on European Relations Introduction The tangled, chaotic and damaging process of Brexit[1] will drag on for many years to come, unless the UK changes its mind [...]
26 02, 2019
The Commons trapped by blackmail on all sides
byIra Straus 26th February 2019 Three blackmail threats -- no deal, no Brexit, and Jeremy Corbyn -- have boxed in MPs as if in jail cells, blocking the changes a majority would want. Can the cross-party defectors start a jailbreak? Blackmail on the Right, Blackmail on the Left. Mrs May [...]
