1.3 The Impact of Devolution on the UK- Scotland

Question 1

Up until when did Scotland have their own Parliament?

Answer 1

1. 1707
2. Act of Union

Question 2

Why did Scotland vote more decisively in favour of devolution than Wales?

Answer 2

1. Scotland had their own Parliament until 1707, Wales was conquered much earlier.
2. Less of a political sense of identity
3. Only narrowly supported the idea of a Wesl assembly.

Question 3

Results of the referendums on devolving power to Scotland:

Answer 3

Yes: 74.3%
No: 25.7%
Turnout: 60.1%

Question 4

Results of the referendums on devolving power to Scotland:

Answer 4

Yes: 50.3%
No: 49.7%
Turnout: 50.2%

Question 5

Why did Blair want to carry out devolution?

Answer 5

1. Part of New Labour’s programme of constitutional modernisation, bring decision making closer to the people.
2. Strengthen the UK by satisfying nationalist demands for greater self-determination

Question 6

What were unforeseen consequences of devolution?
add table of results snp card

Answer 6

1. In the 2011 Holyrood election, the SNP replaced Labour as the dominant political force in Scotland had 69/129 seats.
2. Gave it a mandate for a referendum on independence, 2014 55% / 45%
3. The way Scotland and Wales have gotten their powers suggests that it is an ongoing process, possibly having a federal system replacing the unitary nature.
4. England does not have it’s own devolved powers, yet having 84% of the population.

Question 7

Scotland Act 1998:

Answer 7

1. Established the Scottish Parliament and devolved several primary legislative powers from Westminster.
2. Local Government
3. Housing
4. Environment
5. Law and Order
6. Education
7. Health
8. Income-tax varying powers of 3p on the pound.

Question 8

What powers have not been devolved to Scotland?

Answer 8

1. ‘Reserved powers’
2. Foreign policy
3. Defence
4. Immigration

Question 9

Scotland Act 2012:

Answer 9

1. Varying the income tax up to 10p on the pound
2. Providing the Scottish government to borrow up to £5 billion.

Question 10

What did political leaders, David Cameron, Nick Clegg and Ed Miliband do when it looked as though Scotland might vote for independence?

Answer 10

1. Promised further ‘extensive new powers’ if independence was rejected.
2. These proposals were called ‘devo max’

Question 11

Scotland Act 2016:

Answer 11

1. Determining abortion laws
2. Deciding air passenger duty
3. Determining speed limits
4. Scottish Parliament and executive are permanent features of the UK constitution.
5. Only be removed by a referendum.

Question 12

Strengths of devolution:*

Answer 12

1. Gives the Scottish Parliament the authority to legislate on that directly concern them.
2. In 2016, NHS Health Scotland estimated that sales of alcohol were 17% in S than W or E.
3. In 2018, minimum alcohol price of 50p per unit
4. Scotland has the highest drug mortality in Europe
5. Established in 2019 to provide independent expert advice on the government’s response to this emergency

Question 13

Scotland Going It’s Own Way:

Answer 13

1. First place in the UK to ban public smoking in public places in 2006.
2. Offers free university education to Scottish residents
3. Since 2011 medical prescriptions.

Question 14

Gender Recognition (Scotland) Bill:

Answer 14

1. Passed by the Scottish Parliament on 22 December 2022.
2. Prevented the proceeding to Royal Assent by an order under section 35 of the Scotland Act 1998 made by the Secretary of State for Scotland.
3. On 8 December 2023, the Outer House of the Court of Session ruled that the UK government has acted lawfully.

Question 15

The number of SNP and Labour MSPs at Holyrood:

Answer 15

2003: 27SNP, 50 L
2007: 47 SNP, 46 L
2011; 69SNP, 37 L
2016: 63 SNP, 24 L
2021: 64 SNP, 22L