ABSTRACT
This chapter assesses the emergence of Scottish independence and various calls for more power to regions tracing their emergence over the past few decades. Recognising both as democratically disruptive forces, the chapter discusses their future role in the context of a more authoritarian form of British capitalism that may be emerging. The United Kingdom (UK) of Great Britain and Northern Ireland has only existed in some form since 1801, and the unification between England and Scotland into one kingdom only occurred in 1707. The chapter also discusses the 'crisis at the centre' of the British democratic settlement. The Brexit narrative has led to the successful displacement of concern regarding the democratic deficit at the heart of the 'Westminster model'. Brexit has deflected concern regarding the economic inequalities forged through this culture of decision making, towards fear-based concern with exogenous threats, perpetuated through the European Union (EU) and particularly, immigration.
