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The Constitutional Revolution in the United Kingdom
*University of Sheffield
The changes to the territorial constitution in the United Kingdom since 1997 have been extensive, but there is no agreement on their long-run significance, opinion being divided as to whether the changes are substantive or cosmetic and whether they represent the conclusion of a process or the start of a new one. This article connects these arguments with historical debates on the nature of the British state and its distinctive constitution and multiple identities in order to assess whether the devolution process of recent years signals continuity, rupture, or reform of U.K. institutions. It concludes that some of the changes have introduced quasi-federal features to the constitution and mark a historical watershed, although progress toward full federation remains limited.