The legal position of the Brexit Vote

The UK is a country which comprises England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The UK Govt held a referendum on the 23rd June 2016 and the majority of voters elected to leave the European Union. 

Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the City of London have  certain powers bestowed on them by the UK Govt  which allows them to make certain legislation applicable to their individual circumstances. These powers are known as "Devolved". We might recall some of the matters Scotland has for example ruled on, Education, Taxes to mention a couple. 

However, the UK Govt in Westminster has ultimate sovereignty over all " Reserved" matters which affect the UK. It is only  thie Parliament at Westminster who can deal with "Reserved" matters. For the record it needs to be appreciated that Foreign Affairs, Immigration legislation is the sole remit of Westminster and no one else.

The SMP can shout all they want about the outcome of the referendum but they have no sovereign power to change it. Yes they can sit in their seats in Westminster and contribute to the debate but they are powerless to act in isolation. Mrs Sturgeon got that message loud and clear during her recent trip to Brussels.

Scotland can of course hold another referendum to try and gain independence and if successful could apply to join the EU. Unfortuately for them at the momemnt they have voted to Leave. 

It is only a matter of time before Scotland insist on an other vote.

The uk is in meltdown sadly and the rifts that now exist across the social spectrum and teh 4 nations as a result of holding this referendum are here to stay for a long time

One thin thatgets me and some of the exiters I have spoken to are the lies that came out which are far worse than any manefesto U turns by elected govts.

The EU has already told Sturgeon ,even if Scotland Doe's win the independence vote ,Scotland will not be considered for EU membership .

windtalker not correct the EU said they will not discuss Scotland until the UK exit as Scotalnd are part of UK. If Scotland then have an independance vote they can apply to join  the EU

If Scotland have an independance vote before article 50 is activated again the discussions can take place with the EU

Has anyone done an independent assessment of Scotland's current debts and would they not be expected to pay off this proportion of debt upon exiting the UK? Where would these funds come from in the interim period before joining the EU? And once they joined the EU as an independent country would they then be deemed to be yet another dependent country on the existing EU coffers? How would this be interpreted by the French and German voters in their upcoming elections in 2017?

The IFS said that if Scotland had declared independence this week (March 2016), its population would be facing an overall debt of £2,850 a head in the 2016-17 financial year compared with £850 a head across the UK.

Guardian Article

Wellonce gain we have if's, but's and maybe's with a lot of specul;ation guessing and unknowns

Bottom line the UK are no in a mess and face a very uncetain future with no plans, no strategy, no real negotiation plans and NOBODY knows what WILL happen

I am really worried about the current young generation (15 to 25 yr olds) as they will be the ones who will lose during this period of uncertainty as NOW is a key time in their education, first steps onto a career path, housing and starting a family etc.

It has been hard for them for a while but with this uncertainty there will be no short term fix and by the time it is fixed it will be to late for many of them

The I'm alright Jack brigade have won - well done and what a fine mess we are in

With regard to the generalisation that all Brexiteers are from the "I'm alright Jack" brigade there is irony here in that the prospective new candidates to lead our country until the next election are all declaring that they have to listen and heed the message from the referendum electorate which includes the issue and genuine concerns of growing inequality in our society.

Also concerns for our youth were surely not just the preserve of the remain campaign were they? There appear to be  sincerely held beliefs and aspirations by exiteers that by exiting the EU, once renegotiations are in place, and the   subsequent requirement for the EU to realistically address the need for reform, would ultimately provide greater opportunities for the country and our youth.

If Scotland ever gets independence ,will they be able to control emigration from the EU .

ads

genuine concerns of growing inequality in our society.

Inequlity growing - in teh UK yes and becoming more and more divisive every day

Having disucssed this topic with many friends and family, reading forums, looking at social media, listening to debates and sadly the media for me the brexiters fall in to 3 categoires

1. I'm alright Jack Brigade - mainly made up of those of an older generation

2. Racists - which are really coming to the fore now

3. The mis infomred who voted exit based on 3 BIG lies - many who are now questioning there decision

Tell me what plans do the UK we have short or long term - NONE.

What are the plans for the 2 years post artice 50 activation - NONE

When will UK activate aticle 50 - NOBODY KNOWS FOR SURE

What is the UK's strategy for the 2 years negotiation - NOTHING

Don't disagree the EU needs reform to focus on more important priorities, further integration, equality and opportunity for all, helath care, edcuation, housing, jobs, pensions, welfare support etc. but what has that got to do with the UK now.

Why would any EU reform consder any benefits to a non member state above member states? What the UK wants, needs, economy, strategies, and social well being will not be on the agenda of any EU reform - why should it.

The UK, even now, has no say or any input in any reform of the EU

I would still rather be governed 100% from an EU parliament than Westminster as the EU certainly could do no worse than Westminster have done in my lifetime and before

The youth need opportunites NOW not in 2 or 10 years time it will be too late for many so what are the plans for todays youth. Where is the investment coming from NOW

Just read on the internet 10 good reasons why Scotland should be independent from The rest of the UK one of the 10 reasons was we would be able to control emigration by been able to pick people with the skills .that we want ( am I missing something hear ) .

Windtalker

That sounds like a points based system!

Tadd1966

We are going round in circles here as all of the aspects you identified have already been challenged and debated at length on the Brexit thread by many well informed people who have educated others, highlighted many uncomfortable realities, not least the intransigence of the EU bureaucrats to listen and respond to citizens concerns that covered a multitude of factors, and reached conclusions very different to your own.  Rather than keep repeating those conclusions over and over perhaps its best to move on to debate the next stage.

The Govt leadership contest  appears to differ in approach depending on who gains the leadership with regard to the timing of enactment of article 50 (identified on ITV's Peston's interviews this morning) so perhaps worthwhile taking a look at that to comprehend the options, but it appears we all have to wait until the leadership contest has been decided before the next stages are identified.

By the way, as previously identified earlier in the Brexit thread, it appears that the EU have been willing to negotiate a deal with Canada without them having to comply with free movement of people.....

http://openeurope.org.uk/today/blog/what-could-the-eu-canada-free-trade-deal-tell-us-about-brexit/

"CETA does not involve Canada paying into the EU budget or signing up to EU rules on the free movement of people in return for increased market access".

p.s. Just highlighting this detail, but not advocating a similar agreement to CETA would necessarily be good for the UK.

This message was last edited by ads on 03/07/2016.

This message was last edited by ads on 03/07/2016.

ads

the reason we keep going round in circles is because we have no idea what is going to happen

we all have our views and opinions

nobody knows what the full deal with Canada is, it may or may not be  the same as Cananda have in place with the USA - so real need to speculate or we will go round in circles

A similar model may work for the UK but until something is on the table the circle will continue