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THE 2021 FESTIVAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCE
RUNNING 1-30 NOVEMBER 2021
FoSS and ESRC logos

The political economy of devolution in, and secession from, the UK

What’s on offer?

The event will consist of ten 20 min talks on a variety of research papers related to the topic area as well as an opportunity to ask questions. This event is divided into three distinct sessions: first, on Scotland; second, on Wales and Northern Ireland; third, on England and Ireland. Attendees will be able either to book their place for the whole day, or for individual sessions.

What’s it about?

What are the prospects for devolution and secession in the United Kingdom? Nearly twenty-five years after certain powers were devolved to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the future of UK governance is in question. Both Brexit and Covid-19 have revealed and exacerbated strains in the relationships between the four home nations. Debates range from further devolution, including for English regions, to Scottish independence and Northern Ireland seceding from the UK to form a United Ireland. Many of the key questions are both political and economic in nature. Among the core issues are national identity and economic resilience, independent currencies, intra-UK trade, institutions and geography, and the impact of both Brexit and Covid-19 on the devolved fiscal settlements. 

Who’s leading the event?

The event is being led by Colin Jennings (Kings College London) and Adrian Pabst (NIESR) with contributions from ten other speakers

Open to

This event is open to all