After the referendum: options for a constitutional convention

Renwick, A., (2014) After the referendum: options for a constitutional convention. Report. The Constitution Society, London. pp126. ISBN 9780992890407

Abstract/Summary

Whatever the result of Scotland’s independence referendum, careful constitutional thinking will be needed. If Scots vote Yes, Scotland will need a new constitution and the rest of the UK will have to rethink its governing structures. Even in the event of a No vote, everyone agrees that the shape of the Union will need to change over the coming years. This paper examines how such constitution-making should take place. It sets out the options, gathers evidence from around the world on how those options might work, and weighs the advantages and disadvantages of each alternative. It concludes that constitutional proposals in the UK should best be developed by a convention comprising a mixture of ordinary members of the public and politicians; these proposals should be put to a referendum. This approach, the paper argues, offers the best route to high-quality debate, stronger democratic engagement, and, ultimately, deeper legitimacy for our governing structures.

Item Type	Report (Report)
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/38057
Divisions	Arts, Humanities and Social Science > School of Politics, Economics and International Relations > Politics and International Relations
Uncontrolled Keywords	constitutional convention; citizens' assembly; political reform
Publisher	The Constitution Society
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