Professor Alison Young investigates whether the UK constitution has been undermined by post-Brexit populism.
The UK has recently undergone a series of constitutional changes as we move towards the UK’s post-Brexit constitution. Some have argued that these changes show that the UK constitution is becoming more populist, although often this seems to be used more as an insult than a form of detailed criticism.
This talk will explain when populism is dangerous, both generally and when applied to the UK’s unique un-codified, political constitution. It will argue that the UK constitution stands on a cliff edge and will suggest what changes may be needed to ensure the post-Brexit constitution does not push the UK into democratic decline.
Event speaker
Professor Alison Young, University of Cambridge
Professor Young researches all aspects of public law, both in the UK and the EU. Her main interest is in constitutional theory, particularly dialogue theory, drawing comparisons between different means of protecting human rights. She is also interested in comparative public law, specifically drawing comparisons between UK law, EU law, the law in other commonwealth countries and France, and in freedom of expression and the protection of human rights through private law.
She has published widely in all of these areas, and her key works include 'Parliamentary Sovereignty and the Human Rights Act' (Hart Publishing, 2009). She was also the recipient of a Leverhulme Research Fellowship in 2015. This Fellowship led to a book on dialogue theory, 'Democratic Dialogue and the Constitution' (OUP, 2017), which was a runner-up for the main Inner Temple Book Prize, in 2018.
Event location
This event can be attended online via zoom or in person at the following location:
309 Regent Street, London W1B 2HW
