Category Archives: Constitutional Law

Falkland Islanders “Better Together”

Posted on March 13, 2013 by

Earlier this week, the denizens of the Falkland Islands voted by an overwhelming majority to remain as an overseas territory of the United Kingdom.  This result was not unexpected, but are there any lessons to be learned for our own … Continue reading →

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Church of (an independent) Scotland – Part 3

Posted on October 29, 2012 by

First of all, sorry about the gap in posting.  I’m going to try and post a bit more often now. In my absence, the Scottish and UK Governments have agreed the “Edinburgh Agreement” which will allow a referendum on independence … Continue reading →

Posted in Constitutional Law, Ecclesiatical Law, Scottish Government | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

Independent Scotland “would have to reapply for Eurovision”

Posted on May 26, 2012 by

Following another dismal showing from the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest, Lord Graham of Norton, who was also in that Father Ted episode which had them enter “My Lovely Horse” as Ireland’s entry, said Scotland voting to secede … Continue reading →

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Church of (an independent) Scotland – Part 2

Posted on February 6, 2012 by

With all this talk of an independent Scotland on the horizon, there is one question which leaps immediately to the front of one’s mind: What impact would independence have on the constitutional position of the Church of Scotland? At least, … Continue reading →

Posted in Constitutional Law, Ecclesiatical Law, Scottish Government | Tagged , , , | 13 Comments

Tarbolton crooner sparks constitutional row

Posted on June 4, 2011 by

Jai MacDowall (24) a singer from the village of Tarbolton in Scotland, won Britain’s Got Talent on Saturday night, sparking a constitutional crisis as he did so. The First Minister of Scotland, Alex Salmond, has warned the UK-wide talent show … Continue reading →

Posted in Constitutional Law, Just for Fun, Scottish Government | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

House of Lords Reform Bill

Posted on May 18, 2011 by

“It so happens that if there is an institution in Great Britain which is not susceptible of any improvement at all, it is the House of Peers!” So says Lord Mountararat in Gilbert & Sullivan‘s classic light opera, “Iolanthe”.  But … Continue reading →

Posted in Constitutional Law, Ecclesiatical Law, News, Politics | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Scot of the Antarctic (Part 2)

Posted on January 5, 2011 by

So, I received a nice letter from the Scotland Office, in response to the question posed by visitor to this site, Tim Macdonald.  His question was: Why is this necessary given section 29(2)(a) of the Scotland Act 1998? That is, … Continue reading →

Posted in Constitutional Law, Scottish Parliament | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Hot air weaponry

Posted on December 10, 2010 by

More marginalia from the Scotland Bill.  Section 11 would give the Scottish Parliament legislative competence in relation to air weapons.  Specifically, it would give Ministers the power to require a licence to use an airgun or even to prohibit them … Continue reading →

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Some thoughts on the House of Lords

Posted on June 2, 2010 by

Could changes to the House of Lords threaten the Commons’ legislative supremacy? Continue reading →

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Scotland’s Supreme Court(s)?

Posted on January 23, 2010 by

Professor Neil Walker of the University of Edinburgh today (22 Jan 2010) published his report to the Scottish Government on the position of the new (UK) Supreme Court within the context of the current constitutional settlement (in Scotland). Continue reading →

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