Context
The leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have signed a memorandum in Cardiff asserting their right to self-determination and seeking pathways for constitutional change, including independence or Irish reunification. The development has renewed debate over the constitutional future of the United Kingdom (UK).
Explanation
- The United Kingdom comprises England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland; Great Britain refers only to England, Scotland and Wales.
- Scotland and England united politically through the Acts of Union, 1707; the Acts of Union, 1800 subsequently created the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.
- Following Irish independence, since 1921, Northern Ireland remained within the UK, producing the present territorial arrangement.
- Under devolution, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own legislatures and governments, while Westminster retains important reserved powers.
- In the 2014 Scottish independence referendum, about 55% voted to remain in the UK.
- The 1998 Good Friday Agreement provides a distinct constitutional route for Northern Ireland: a border poll can lead to Irish reunification if the required democratic consent is obtained.
- Withdrawal of the United Kingdom (Brexit) from European Union (EU) in 2016. strengthened constitutional debates because Scotland and Northern Ireland had voted to remain in the EU.
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UK Devolution: Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland