Flexible Accommodation: Another Case of British Exceptionalism?

Abstract

This paper reviews the devolution arrangements within the United Kingdom in historical perspective. It argues that the ad hoc and contingent nature of decentralisation has been one of the successes of the system, but that the model remains lop-sided in the absence of coherent arrangements for intergovernmental decision-making. It also goes on to address the forthcoming referendum on independence in Scotland.

Keywords: law, public law, constitutional law, United Kingdom constitution, United Kingdom devolution, Scottish devolution, Scottish independence, Scotland independence referendum 2014, Scotland Act 1998, Northern Ireland Act 1998, Government of Wales Act 1998, Scotland Act 2012, nation, nation-state