2016London School of Economics and Political Science Research Online (London School of Economics and Political Science)Open access

What does ‘Brexit means Brexit’ actually mean?

Sionaidh Douglas‐Scott

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Abstract

Theresa May has famously stated that ‘Brexit means Brexit’, but what does this actually mean (if anything)? Sionaidh Douglas-Scott examines the legal implications of triggering Art. 50. The position of referendums in UK constitutional law is very hazy, she notes, and previous UK-EU negotiations on crucial matters have often been shrouded in secrecy, with the key negotiators withholding information even from the Parliament. Paradoxically, Brexit may therefore not mean ‘taking back control’ by the Parliament, but rather a dominance by the executive for its political purposes.

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Theresa May has famously stated that ‘Brexit means Brexit’, but what does this actually mean (if anything)? Sionaidh Douglas-Scott examines the legal implications of triggering Art. 50. The position of referendums in UK constitutional law is very hazy, she notes, and previous UK-EU negotiations on crucial matters have often been shrouded in secrecy, with the key negotiators withholding information even from the Parliament. Paradoxically, Brexit may therefore not mean ‘taking back control’ by the Parliament, but rather a dominance by the executive for its political purposes.

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Available abstract

Theresa May has famously stated that ‘Brexit means Brexit’, but what does this actually mean (if anything)? Sionaidh Douglas-Scott examines the legal implications of triggering Art. 50. The position of referendums in UK constitutional law is very hazy, she notes, and previous UK-EU negotiations on crucial matters have often been shrouded in secrecy, with the key negotiators withholding information even from the Parliament. Paradoxically, Brexit may therefore not mean ‘taking back control’ by the Parliament, but rather a dominance by the executive for its political purposes.

Key concepts: Brexit, Parliament, Political science, Negotiation, Secrecy, Politics, Law and economics, Dominance (genetics)

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