Foreword: Perspectives on the Scottish Independence Referendum 2014

Abstract

The contributions in this symposium address what seems to the editors to be a dearth of discussion of the constitutional implications of a possible `yes' vote in the Scottish independence referendum that is to take place on 18 September 2014. With the exception of some acknowledgement of the Opinion given by Professor Alan Boyle and I on the international law implications of Scottish independence,1 the press has concentrated on the political drama, and the short-term political and policy consequences, rather than on the potential effect on the constitutional structure of the United Kingdom and its legal position in the world. Some aspects of Scottish independence have been discussed in academic works, a select bibliography of which was published by the library of the House of Commons in February 2014.2 More have been discussed in online forums. But the discussion has been limited and largely short-term in its focus. This symposium seeks to draw together several aspects of Scottish independence in order to provide a constitutional overview, covering the historical, political and legal implications of Scotland voting to leave the United Kingdom. It is, to my knowledge, the first and, in the event that a `no' vote is cast in September, possibly the only one of its kind. For the opening contribution, the symposium reproduces with permission Lord Sumption's lecture to the Denning Society of November 2013, entitled `The Disunited Kingdom: England, Ireland and Scotland.' Lord Sumption sets out the historical context to the Acts of Parliament that united England with first