Tag: Europe

A Future Uncertain: Why Brexit Would Leave Scotland More Dependent on Westminster

Andrew Glencross If the UK votes to the leave the EU, it will most likely establish a Swiss-style trade relationship to replace EU membership, writes Andrew Glencross. He suggests that future UK governments would be unable to change this relationship unilaterally without risking retaliation, leaving Scotland more dependent on the UK government for good relations …

The Calm Before the Storm – Preparing for the EU Referendum

Christina McKelvie Many questions surround the upcoming EU referendum and the shape of the UK’s relationship with the EU, writes Christina McKelvie. She explains that these questions form the basis of the European and External Relations Committee’s work on the impact of EU renegotiation and reform for Scotland, which aims to contribute to informing the …

Britain’s European Futures? Reflections from a Seminar Discussion

Drew Scott Following a recent seminar and panel discussion on the UK’s EU renegotiation and referendum, Drew Scott reflects on the prospects for Britain’s relationship with the EU. He writes that, with the uncertainty surrounding the role the UK wants to play in Europe, the ultimate positions of the other EU Member States in the …

The Human Rights Act and Britain’s European Futures

Tobias Lock In this extended article, Tobias Lock explores the implications of potential human rights reform in Britain. He writes that a repeal of the Human Rights Act would not necessarily require the UK to leave the European Convention on Human Rights. Should Britain leave, however, he argues that its future in both the Council …

Why Greece Matters for the UK’s Referendum

Angus Armstrong Monetary union can take many years to be sustainable and successful, and the euro is no different, writes Angus Armstrong. He argues that, should the Eurozone proceed with plans for greater political and fiscal union, the UK may encounter a stronger EU in its renegotiation than otherwise foreseen. EP President Martin Schulz and …

Finality, Sir, is not the Language of Politics

James Mitchell Referendums do not necessarily solve the issues they are meant to address, writes James Mitchell. He argues that, similar to the Scotland independence referendum, the EU referendum is unlikely to be definitive, but it will shape the UK’s relationship with the EU whatever the outcome. The Edinburgh Agreement, Scottish Government CC-BY-NC-2.0 If David …

Can Britain be European?

Emile Chabal and Stephan Malinowski In this extended article, Emile Chabal and Stephan Malinowski reflect on the use of history in the debate on the UK’s relationship with Europe and question two historical narratives put forward about Britain – that its history has been uniquely continuous and that is has been exceptional. They suggest that …