Public lecture on the future of the United Kingdom

The pressing political question of the United Kingdom’s survival will be the subject of a public lecture at Aberystwyth University.

‘Fractured Union’ will be delivered by Professor Michael Kenny, an expert on the UK constitution, national identity, and territorial politics.

The lecture will be hosted by Aberystwyth University’s Centre for Welsh Politics and Society as part of a new series of events on Constitutional Futures.

Professor Kenny, who is Director of the Bennett Institute for Public Policy at the University of Cambridge, will discuss his newly published book ‘Fractured Union: Politics, Sovereignty and the Fight to Save the UK’ (Hurst, 2024). 

Drawing upon a body of interviews conducted over several years with Ministers, MPs and civil servants, Professor Kenny has explored the pessimism within politics about the long-term viability of the British Union. 

His lecture will consider the crises and tensions within the Union, the complexities and challenges created by devolution, and discuss how seismic events such as the Scottish independence referendum, Brexit, and the Covid pandemic have fuelled tensions between Westminster and the devolved administrations.

Dr Anwen Elias, Reader in Politics and Co-Director of the Centre for Welsh Politics and Society (CWPS) said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to hear from one of the leading thinkers on constitutional politics in the UK. His timely talk will consider key constitutional challenges facing the United Kingdom, and which may threaten the future of the Union.”

The lecture takes place on Monday 29 April 2024 in the Main Hall of the International Politics Building on Aberystwyth University’s Penglais Campus. The evening begins with a drinks reception at 6pm, followed by the lecture and a Q&A at 6.30pm.

The event is free and open to all.  Places can be booked at: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/cwpsaber/1175352