1.4 Debates on further reforms

Question 1

Devolution

Answer 1

• NI - has helped to end violence between unionist and nationalist communities by creating a power-sharing system of govt
• On the other hand - Scottish Independence demand has been revived since the UK voted to leave EU in 2016
• SNP believe majority of Scotland’s wish to remain has been ignored
• Devolution uneven in the way it applies to the component parts of the UK

Question 2

Electoral reform

Answer 2

• Has produced more proportional results in Scotland, Wales, NI
• Rejection of AV in 2011 referendum for Westminster - no public appetite
• Under-representation of smaller parties, and the way the current system produces governments with a majority of seats but minority of votes - arguments for further reform

Question 3

House of Lords reform

Answer 3

• An upper house based much more firmly on merit and experience
• On other hand - Lords lacks democratic legitimacy because none of its members are elected
• Highly unusual in a modern Western democracy

Question 4

The Human Rights Act 1998

Answer 4

• Brought UK into line with other European states - incorporated ECHR into national law
• Provides protection of citizens’ rights without threatening parliamentary sovereignty
• Conservative critics would like to see a replacement act - British Bill of Rights (would make Supreme Court the final judge of citizens’ rights)

Question 5

Case that no more reform is needed

Answer 5

• Current settlement protects the rights of citizens and recognises the desire for autonomy in the component parts of the UK
• Lack of clear agreement on the form that any further change should take

Question 6

Case that reform is needed

Answer 6

• In many respects the current settlement is incomplete and illogical
• UK out of step with most other western democracies in having an unelected ‘upper’ house and a voting system that imperfectly reflects the preferences of the electorate
• Federal solution could remove anomalies created by ‘asymmetric devolution’ arrangements
• Citizens need greater clarity on the nature of their rights, and stronger protection against arbitrary govt actions