Spain offers a lesson in how not to deal with devolution

As the UK heads towards its next phase of devolution, it should look to Spain for an example of how to do it badly. In its attempt to please everyone as it drew up its 1978 constitution, Spain ended up pleasing no one and decades of animosity have followed. The debacle shows that a piecemeal approach may appear to be the easiest option when a deal is being struck but can, in the end, serve to frustrate tensions. It’s a story that should act as a warning to British politicians.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Scotland vs. Catalonia: Two independence quests, different paths http://www.europeansources.info/record/scotland-vs-catalonia-two-independence-quests-different-paths/

ESO: Background information: The decision of the majority of Scots to vote ‘No’ may result in even more radical constitutional change to the UK http://www.europeansources.info/record/the-decision-of-the-majority-of-scots-to-vote-no-may-result-in-even-more-radical-constitutional-change-to-the-uk/

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