Leaving the Union: Constitutionalising Secession Rights in the United Kingdom

Abstract

Among the many consequences of Brexit has been increased territorial tension within the United Kingdom (UK). This article assesses whether the four constituent units of the UK have a right to secede. Exploring the legislative treatment of Northern Ireland, both before and after 1998, it argues that there is no general right to secede under the UK constitution. Moreover, it questions whether such a right could ever effectively be recognised within a political constitution.