The Blunders of Brexit: Economics, Sovereignty, and the Constitution

Abstract

What exactly was the outcome of the June 23 referendum? For some, it breaks or boosts Britain’s economic prospects. For others, the result allows Britain to ‘take back control’ of sovereignty. In this paper, I dissect the arguments relating to economics and sovereignty, which fall into the category of wishful thinking rather than prudent assessment. I then focus on the UK’s own constitutional presuppositions. The desire to restore sovereignty to Westminster comes twenty years too late. Devolution to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland has transformed the British constitution. Political power is no longer monopolized by Westminster, but shared with regional parliaments and devolved administrations. If the Conservative government insists on withdrawing the UK from the EU it will, of course, hurt the EU. But if it does so against the wishes of Scotland and Northern Ireland, it will destroy the UK.