Intergovernmental Relations in the UK: Time for a Radical Overhaul?

Area of Science:

• Political Science
• Public Policy
• Constitutional Law

Background:

• Recent political and health crises, including Brexit and the coronavirus pandemic, have intensified strains between the UK government and devolved administrations.
• Existing intergovernmental coordination mechanisms within the UK are underdeveloped and characterized by ad hoc meetings and a consultative, rather than decision-making, approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the inadequacies of the current UK intergovernmental system.
• To propose recommendations for reconfiguring the UK's intergovernmental model based on international comparisons.
• To address the challenges of joint decision-making and representation within the UK's territorial constitution.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of intergovernmental relationship structures in five other countries.
• Examination of the limitations of the UK's current intergovernmental meeting system.
• Assessment of the representation of England within the UK administration.

Main Results:

• The current UK intergovernmental system is insufficient to manage tensions arising from Brexit and the pandemic.
• International models offer insights into enabling joint decision-making among governments.
• The assumption that the UK administration adequately represents England is flawed.

Conclusions:

• The UK's territorial constitution requires significant reform to improve intergovernmental relations.
• Failure to address the dysfunctional aspects of the current system will likely lead to continued deterioration of relationships between governments.
• Implementing joint decision-making mechanisms and ensuring adequate representation are key to a more functional UK constitution.