Brexit raises profound
questions about the internal economic and political organisation
of the UK, a new report by academic think tank The UK in a
Changing Europe has found.
The report – Brexit: local and
devolved government – underlines tensions
between London and the devolved administrations. The Scottish and
Welsh Governments see the EU Withdrawal Bill – which brings EU
competencies back to the UK – as a power grab by Westminster. The
Welsh Government has been battling to resist what it sees as a
substantial potential erosion of Welsh self-rule.
The report finds that for 40 years the autonomy and scope
of English local authorities have been reduced. The EU referendum
was seen by the English as a means of expressing themselves. The
vast majority of Brexit supporters in England are willing to
sacrifice the UK’s union to achieve their key aim: 81% of Leavers
and 87% of Conservative Leavers are willing to de-stabilise the
Northern Irish peace process to achieve Brexit and 88% and 92%
respectively are prepared to countenance Scottish independence
for Brexit.*
Brexit is proving inherently disruptive to the fragile
constitutional settlement between Northern Ireland and the rest
of the UK. The absence of an executive in Stormont makes it
harder for the province to gain effective representation in the
ongoing talks.
Brexit: local and devolved government is being released on
the day of [Thursday 8 March] The UK in a Changing Europe’s
conference Brexit: local and
devolved government, which is taking place at
Royal Institute of British Architects, London. Keynote speakers
include , and MP. Other speakers include
Sir John Curtice, MP, Local Government Association
chair Lord and Professor Tony
Travers.
Brexit presents significant economic challenges to the UK’s
cities and regions, the report finds. British cities will see a
fall in economic output as a result of leaving the EU because of
the loss of trade. Those in the south of England will be hardest
hit due to the increase in tariff and non-tariff barriers,
however, just like in the aftermath of the 2008 recession, they
are likely to recover quicker than other parts of the country.
Findings show the impact of Brexit is likely to be much harsher
in economically weaker regions, resulting in even greater
regional imbalances. Brexit will exacerbate the relative decline
experienced in places that voted most heavily for it.
Contributors argue in favour of greater empowerment of
cities and regions.
Professor Anand Menon, director of The UK in a Changing
Europe, said: “While the UK’s new relationship with the EU
receives almost all the attention, this report sheds light on the
domestic challenges that Brexit poses.
“MPs and civil servants face significant challenges when it
comes to adopting the internal structures of the UK to deal with
Brexit.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
1. The UK in a Changing Europe promotes
rigorous, high-quality and independent research into the complex
and ever changing relationship between the UK and the EU. It is
funded by the Economic and Social
Research Council and is based at King's College London.
2. The 10 chapters and authors are:
-
Introduction – Anand Menon
-
The revenge of ‘the places that don’t matter’? – Will
Jennings, Gerry Stoker and Ian Warren
-
The case for city devolution post-Brexit – Andrew
Carter
-
The regional policy implications of Brexit – Chloe
Billing, Philip McCann and Raquel Ortega-Argilés
-
The politics of Brexit in Scotland – John Curtice
-
Brexit and Scotland – Michael Keating
-
Brexit and English identity – Dan Wincott
-
Brexit and Wales – Roger Awan-Scully
-
Brexit and Northern Ireland – Katy Hayward
-
Where should decisions be made? – Noah Carl and Anthony
Heath
* Future of England Surveys 2017
