Constitutional Fracture
How Brexit Revealed Deep Fault-Lines in the British Constitution
By Tom Hickman and Gavin Phillipson
Published
Jun 1, 2025Page count
144 pagesISBN
978-1529245646Dimensions
203 x 127 mmImprint
Bristol University PressPublished
Jun 1, 2025Page count
144 pagesISBN
978-1529245653Dimensions
203 x 127 mmImprint
Bristol University Press
Constitutional Fracture
This book presents cutting-edge analysis of one of the most significant constitutional crises in recent British history: the prolonged and intense struggle between government and parliament for control over Brexit. It argues the crisis was very largely caused by the emergence of an Executive-centric approach to governance it dubs ‘Whitehall Plus’, and the strong parliamentary-push back it both provoked and responded to.
The book shows how the crisis exposed and widened deep fault-lines running through core doctrines and practices of the British constitution – profound disagreements long held unresolved and in abeyance, but which exploded into high-octane conflict during the period.
Tom Hickman KC is Professor of Public Law at University College London and a practising barrister.
Gavin Phillipson is Professor of Public Law and Human Rights at the University of Bristol.
Introduction
1. Divergent Views on the Relationship Between Executive and Parliament
2. Government Control of the Business of the House of Commons
3. The Brexit Crisis in Four Acts
4. Constitutional Fracture Instantiated
5. Conclusion
