Brexit and the union: Territorial voice, exit and re-entry strategies in Scotland and Northern Ireland after EU exit

Nicola Mcewen,Mary C Murphy

doi:10.1177/0192512121990543

Nicola Mcewen, Mary C Murphy

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1177/0192512121990543

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Abstract

This article examines the effects of Brexit on the internal boundaries and territorial future of the United Kingdom (UK). Divergent Brexit preferences, coupled with the process of negotiating and preparing for Brexit, have raised new questions about the ability of the UK to remain united. Focusing upon Scotland and Northern Ireland, where territorial challenges are most acute, the article draws upon and adapts Hirschman’s voice, exit and loyalty framework to examine the strategic choices and options faced by institutional actors in each case when determining constitutional and political options in response to Brexit. The article contends that, while credible exit threats were used to bolster voice in the Brexit negotiations, the Brexit vote and subsequent process have exposed the limitations of territorial voice, and unleashed new exit dynamics. We enhance the framework by exploring the concept of re-entry, exploring the contrasting paths these territories would face to re-enter the European Union (EU).

Highlights

While the United Kingdom’s (UK) external borders with the European Union (EU) have been the focus of much Brexit scholarship, the actual and symbolic significance of the UK’s internal territorial boundaries is the focus of this article
We focus on Scotland and Northern Ireland, where the territorial issues raised by Brexit are most acute
Adapting Hirschman’s framework to UK territorial politics, this article has identified that the Brexit referendum, and the process that unfolded thereafter, has disrupted the UK’s territorial constitution, created limited opportunities for the devolved institutions to have an influential voice, and re-energised the politics of exit in Scotland and Northern Ireland

Summary

Introduction

While the United Kingdom’s (UK) external borders with the European Union (EU) have been the focus of much Brexit scholarship, the actual and symbolic significance of the UK’s internal territorial boundaries is the focus of this article. Keywords Brexit, union, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Hirschman, borders, voice, exit, re-entry In both Scotland and Northern Ireland, the grievances resulting from having to leave the EU, despite a clear majority in each case voting Remain, have been reinforced by the frustrated efforts of key political and institutional actors to influence the Brexit process.

Results

Conclusion