Publics, Elites and Constitutional Change in the UK

Abstract

This book explores the governance of the UK, and the process of constitutional change, between Scotland’s independence referendum in September 2014 and the UK general election in May 2015. The book contrasts the attitudes of the public, captured through an original survey, with those of politicians, civil servants, and civic leaders, identified through over forty interviews. It pays particular attention to two case studies involving recent changes to the UK’s governing arrangements: the Smith Commission and the transfer of further powers to the Scottish Parliament, and Greater Manchester’s devolution deal that has become a model for devolution across England. It also considers the issue of lowering the voting age to 16, contrasting the political attitudes of younger voters in Scotland with those in the rest of the UK. The book will be of interest to students and scholars of UK politics, devolution, constitutional change, public attitudes, and territorial politics.-- 1. Introduction -- 2. Political engagement -- 3. Voting at 16: Lessons from Scotland for the rest of the UK? -- 4. The Smith Commission: An elite driven process -- 5. The English Question I: Is EVEL the answer? -- 6. The English Question II: Elite-driven devolution deals -- 7. Conclusion.