In the aftermath of the historic British vote to leave the EU, openDemocracy is asking for our readers' thoughts on Brexit and what needs to happen next in 350 words. We've had an extraordinary response and you can read them all here.
The irony of the BREXIT referendum result is that it may well move the UK towards a model which many in the BREXIT campaign would argue they fundamentally reject – a federal Britain based on clear principles of mutual accountability and shared decision-making.
The Scottish Government is actively looking at ways to protect Scotland’s interests as a continuing EU member, and also Northern Ireland has voted on aggregate to Remain in the EU. This has fully exposed how broken the myth of a unitary state which can be governed effectively by a central Parliament has been for some time. Unless Scotland leaves rapidly in spirit and then soon after in law (or to prevent this happening), the UK’s constitutional settlement needs radical reform. Otherwise England may find itself alone in a leaking boat. This is not what people would have voted for, nor would it provide better futures for anyone.
