SNP Calls for UK Written Constitution to Include Exit Clause From Union

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, August 4, 2026

The Scottish National Party has urged the UK to adopt a written constitution that explicitly includes a process for any country, including Scotland, to leave the union. This proposal highlights ongoing tensions over Scottish independence, as the UK government continues to withhold permission for another referendum despite calls for clearer governance and democratic rights within the union.

The Scottish National Party (SNP) has called for a written constitution for the United Kingdom that includes a clear process for any country to leave the union, highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding Scottish independence. The issue remains contentious as powers to authorize another independence referendum reside with the UK government, which has consistently declined to grant permission.

Over the weekend, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham advocated for the creation of a written constitution aimed at ensuring that all citizens across the UK enjoy a “comparable life.” Burnham first proposed the idea during his tenure as mayor of Greater Manchester and later expanded on it in a 2024 book co-authored with Liverpool Mayor Steve Rotheram. The call for a constitution reflects a broader discussion about the distribution of power within the United Kingdom.

SNP Westminster leader Dave Doogan welcomed Burnham’s emphasis on revisiting the balance of power but stressed that any new constitution would be incomplete without a mechanism allowing countries to exit the union. Doogan argued that denying the Scottish people the democratic right to decide their status within the UK would render the document “fundamentally flawed.” He emphasized that Westminster’s retention of control over referendum powers has hindered progress on the question of independence.

So far, successive UK prime ministers, including Burnham, have refrained from granting Scotland the authority to hold another referendum, a stance that frustrates proponents of independence. The UK government has not issued a formal response to the SNP’s latest proposal.

The conversation around a written constitution and exit clause touches on broader issues of devolution, governance, and national identity within the United Kingdom. Advocates argue that codifying the rights and powers of its constituent countries could offer clarity and promote fairness, while critics caution about the complexities and potential risks involved in restructuring the union’s constitutional framework.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.