Alternative Forms Of Governance For Scotland

Question 1

What is the Conservative approach to Scottish governance?

Answer 1

The Conservative approach argues that Scotland has all the powers it needs and would run more effectively with a better government than the SNP. They believe Scotland benefits from being part of the UK.

Question 2

What is the Nationalist approach to Scottish governance?

Answer 2

The Nationalist approach, supported by the SNP and Scottish Greens, argues that Scotland lacks the necessary powers to address issues like population decline and drug deaths. Independence would provide these powers, making Scotland wealthier and healthier.

Question 3

What is the Labour approach to Scottish governance?

Answer 3

The Labour approach recognizes that governance isn’t working for Scotland or the rest of the UK. They propose reforming Westminster to give more power to Scotland and other regions while maintaining current Scottish governance.

Question 4

What is an effective aspect of Muscular Unionism?

Answer 4

If the two governments worked closely together, they could use the resources of the whole UK to benefit Scotland.

Question 5

What is an ineffective aspect of Muscular Unionism?

Answer 5

It limits Scotland’s ability to address issues like drug deaths if those solutions are unpopular with the UK government and English voters.

Question 6

What is an effective aspect of Independence?

Answer 6

Scotland would have full control over its powers, allowing it to try various solutions even if they are unpopular with Westminster.

Question 7

What is an ineffective aspect of Independence?

Answer 7

Scotland could start with a high level of debt, and the costs of setting up new government departments could be very high.

Question 8

What is an effective aspect of Westminster Reform?

Answer 8

Scotland benefits from a more equal relationship with Westminster, focusing on whole UK needs rather than just English needs.

Question 9

What is an ineffective aspect of Westminster Reform?

Answer 9

There are no new powers given to Scotland to take different approaches; Westminster would still be dominated by English interests.

Question 10

What is the Conservative Approach to the governance of Scotland?

Answer 10

The Conservative party argues there is little case for reform or change to the political governance of Scotland.

Question 11

What do Conservatives believe about Scotland’s powers?

Answer 11

Many Conservatives feel that Scotland already has all the powers and resources it needs to meet the needs of its people.

Question 12

What do Conservatives attribute the problems in Scotland to?

Answer 12

They argue that the problem lies with how the people in charge are using the powers of the Scottish Parliament.

Question 13

How do Conservatives view Scotland’s position in the UK?

Answer 13

They believe that Scotland is in a better place because of its position in the UK.

Question 14

What example do Conservatives use to support their argument?

Answer 14

Conservative leaders argue that the financial power of being in the UK helped protect jobs during the Covid-19 pandemic through government borrowing for furlough and vaccination schemes.

For example, Rishi Sunak and Douglas Ross have highlighted this point.

Question 15

What is the implication of the Conservative argument regarding Scotland leaving the UK?

Answer 15

This suggests that Scotland may struggle to fund necessary investments if it were to leave the UK.

Question 16

How has the Scottish electorate responded to the Conservative approach?

Answer 16

The Scottish electorate has been voting in large numbers for parties proposing further reforms, indicating that the Conservative approach is unpopular.

Question 17

What did the 2022 Scottish Social Attitudes Survey reveal?

Answer 17

It showed that only 14% of people thought the UK government should have the most influence, with a majority supporting independence over other governance forms.

This suggests that the Conservative status quo approach satisfies only a minimal number of people in Scotland.

Question 18

What does the Conservative model of muscular unionism offer?

Answer 18

It offers little extra powers to the Scottish people or parliament and enjoys minority support among the electorate.

Question 19

What is the Nationalist Approach to the governance of Scotland?

Answer 19

The Nationalist view is considered the most radical, advocating for independence to address Scotland’s problems.

Question 20

What do the SNP and Scottish Greens argue regarding independence?

Answer 20

They argue that only with the powers of independence can Scotland properly address issues like drug laws, immigration, borrowing, and taxation.

Question 21

What comparisons have the SNP and Scottish Greens published?

Answer 21

They have published documents comparing the UK and Scotland’s position against other European countries like Ireland and Sweden, showing less inequality and better living standards.

Question 22

What does the Nationalist argument suggest about Scotland’s potential with independence?

Answer 22

It suggests that Scotland could transform the lives of many people with the powers of independence.

Question 23

What is a major concern regarding Scotland’s independence?

Answer 23

There is uncertainty over how much of the UK’s extremely high debt an independent Scotland would be expected to pay.

The gap in what Scotland raises and what it spends is over £23 billion, which would need to be funded by borrowing.

Question 24

What are the potential economic risks of Scottish independence?

Answer 24

A significant gap in spending before any repayments could mean that Scotland struggles to have the money it needs for radical approaches desired by nationalists.

Question 25

What does the nationalist approach offer Scotland?

Answer 25

The nationalist approach of independence would offer Scotland the greatest degree of sovereignty, but also the greatest economic risks and the largest potential benefits with the option of rejoining the EU.

Question 26

What is the Labour party’s stance on reform?

Answer 26

The Labour party recognizes that there is a case for reform and has proposed a range of reforms for many parts of the UK.

Question 27

How does the Labour party’s approach compare to the Conservative approach?

Answer 27

The Labour party believes Scotland has the powers it needs, similar to the Conservative approach, but acknowledges that the UK’s structure doesn’t work for Scotland and also for England.

Question 28

What was Gordon Brown’s proposal in 2022?

Answer 28

Gordon Brown proposed replacing the House of Lords with a chamber of the Nations and Regions and devolving more power to the regions of England.

Question 29

What are the potential benefits of the Labour approach?

Answer 29

The Labour approach may please both Unionists and Nationalists by addressing concerns about Scotland’s treatment in the UK.

Question 30

Why might Labour’s proposals not appeal to nationalists?

Answer 30

The majority of reforms will apply mostly to England, with little new power for Scotland, and some ideas come only with a promise of consultation.

Question 31

What is Scotland’s representation in the UK?

Answer 31

Scotland represents around 8% of the UK’s population, making it unlikely to be an equal partner in the UK Parliament or government.

Question 32

What is the overall assessment of Labour’s reforms for Scotland?

Answer 32

Labour’s reforms offer little additional powers or benefits to Scotland, similar to Conservative plans, while maintaining the benefits of being in the UK.