| Abstract: | The changes to the territorial constitution in the United Kingdomsince 1997 have been extensive, but there is no agreement ontheir long-run significance, opinion being divided as to whetherthe changes are substantive or cosmetic and whether they representthe conclusion of a process or the start of a new one. Thisarticle connects these arguments with historical debates onthe nature of the British state and its distinctive constitutionand multiple identities in order to assess whether the devolutionprocess of recent years signals continuity, rupture, or reformof U.K. institutions. It concludes that some of the changeshave introduced quasi-federal features to the constitution andmark a historical watershed, although progress toward full federationremains limited. |
