Alternative Governance Essay Flashcards
Intro
Continuing constitutional debate in Scotland suggests there’s a case for reviewing how Scotland’s governed
Nationalist approach is more radical than Labour approach however there’s those who argue for little change such as the Conservative approach
In analysing these options this response will conclude that the Nationalist approach is better for Scotland
Conservative - Point
Cons would argue there’s little case for change to the political governance of Scotland
Conservative - Explain
For Cons party, many feel Scotland already has the powers it needs to meet Scotland’s needs & would argue the problem lies with how the people in charge use Scottish powers
Also believe Scotland’s in a better place because of its position in UK
Conservative - Example
Cons PM Rishi Sunak & Scottish party leader Douglas Ross argued it was due to the UKs financial power that protected jobs during Covid-19 as gov was able to borrow billions for furlough schemes
Conservative - Analysis
Cons been successful in helping fund Scotland & meet the needs of its people
Conservative - Rebuttal Point
For many in Scotland the Cons approach isn’t enough
Conservative - Rebuttal Explain
In many elections, Scotland has voted for parties that propose further reforms for how Scotland’s run & opinion polls show the Cons approach is unpopular in Scotland
Conservative - Rebuttal Example
In 2022 the Scottish Social Attitudes Survey showed only 14% of people thought the UK gov should have the most influence & a majority of Scots support independence over any other kind of governance
Conservative - Conclusion
Cons approach not effective in governing Scotland. Although they helped fund Scotland throughout the pandemic, a minority of Scots want the UK gov having the most influence
Nationalist - Point
Arguably Nationalist view on reform of governance most radical
Nationalist - Explain
Two main parties in Scotland, SNP & Greens, argue they can only address problems with powers of independence they don’t currently have
Nationalist - Example
Together they have started publishing documents comparing UK & Scotland’s position against other European countries which shows less inequality & better living standards
Nationalist - Analysis
Effective as would allow Scotland to have say on various issues
Nationalist - Rebuttal Point
Many believe this approach is risky
Nationalist - Rebuttal Explain
Uncertainty over how much of UKs debt an independent Scotland would be expected to pay
Gaps in amount of money Scotland raises compared to what it spends which could be a barrier in joining the EU
Nationalist - Rebuttal Example
Gap in what Scotland raises & what it spends is over £28 billion that needs funded by borrowing
Nationalist - Rebuttal Analysis
Not effective as Scotland doesn’t have enough money to become independent
Nationalist - Conclusion
Effective to certain extent, having more powers would allow Scotland to address certain issues however, enormous repayments have to be made before Scotland could join EU
Labour - Point
Labour party recognises there’s a case for reform
Labour - Explain
Have put forward proposals for reforming many parts of UK
Similar argument to Cons, think Scotland has powers it needs & not much case for change as Scottish level
Accept Nationalist view, way UK operates doesn’t work for Scotland
Labour - Example
In 2022, former Labour leader Gordon Brown produced plan for replacing House of Lords with chamber of Nations & Regions as well as devolving more power to English regions
Labour - Analysis
Effective as they’re offering something that appeals to everyone
Labour - Rebuttal Point
Proposals unlikely to appeal to enough Nationalists
Labour - Rebuttal Explain
Majority of reforms apply mostly to England with its regions gaining more power
Some ideas for Scotland only promise consultation, not a change in House of Lords won’t address dominance of England in House of Commons
Labour - Rebuttal Example
Scotland represents around 8% of UKs population so won’t ever be equal partner in UK gov which will continue to have England as its main focus
Labour - Rebuttal Analysis
Not effective as England will still be main focus of UK
Labour - Conclusion
While recognising need for reform, proposals more likely to appeal to unionists than nationalists
Overall Conclusion
Number of approaches taken into account when considering Scotland’s future
Nationalist approach most effective, Labour for others
Cons for some
Nationalist best option as it would allow Scotland to be in control of matters that affect them
Overall Conclusion
Number of approaches taken into account when considering Scotland’s future
Nationalist approach most effective, Labour for others
Cons for some
Nationalist best option as it would allow Scotland to be in control of matters that affect them
