Intergovernmental Relations and the Crisis of the Union
| Author | Michael Kenny,Nicola McEwen |
| Published date | 01 March 2021 |
| Date | 01 March 2021 |
| DOI | http://doi.org/10.1177/20419058211000996 |
12 POLITICAL INSIGHT • MARCH 2021
The divisions generated by the Brexit
process, the perceived failings of the
Johnson administration’s handling
of the COVID pandemic, and rising
support for independence in Scotland, have
all exposed the fragility of the UK’s territorial
constitution. COVID, in particular, has shone
a bright light on devolution across the UK,
revealing that on a number of important issues
the UK government’s writ begins and ends in
England. But the pandemic has also exposed
what has been apparent to keen observers for
some time; that the UK lacks the institutions,
processes and relationships that might help
Intergovernmental
Relations and the
Crisis of the Union
As questions about the future of the United Kingdom itself grow,
Michael Kenny and Nicola McEwen find that Brexit and COVID
have laid bare weaknesses in how the UK’s central and devolved
institutions fit together.
foster cooperation between its distinctive
governments and territories. Without a
fundamental overhaul of intergovernmental
relations, the UK’s constituent territories
may well nd it increasingly dicult to work
together productively.
Yet, for the most part, there has been a
lack of detailed attention paid to, and little
political enthusiasm for, the arduous task of
building a robust and functioning system of
intergovernmental relations (IGR). The four
administrations have quietly been engaged
in a review of existing arrangements since
© Press Association
Political Insight March 2021.indd 12Political Insight March 2021.indd 12 15/02/2021 14:2915/02/2021 14:29
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