Alternative Governance Essay

Question 1

Intro

Answer 1

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

Question 2

Conservative - Point

Answer 2

Cons would argue there’s little case for change to the political governance of Scotland

Question 3

Conservative - Explain

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Conservative - Example

Answer 4

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

Question 5

Conservative - Analysis

Answer 5

Cons been successful in helping fund Scotland & meet the needs of its people

Question 6

Conservative - Rebuttal Point

Answer 6

For many in Scotland the Cons approach isn’t enough

Question 7

Conservative - Rebuttal Explain

Answer 7

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

Question 8

Conservative - Rebuttal Example

Answer 8

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

Question 9

Conservative - Conclusion

Answer 9

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

Question 10

Nationalist - Point

Answer 10

Arguably Nationalist view on reform of governance most radical

Question 11

Nationalist - Explain

Answer 11

Two main parties in Scotland, SNP & Greens, argue they can only address problems with powers of independence they don’t currently have

Question 12

Nationalist - Example

Answer 12

Together they have started publishing documents comparing UK & Scotland’s position against other European countries which shows less inequality & better living standards

Question 13

Nationalist - Analysis

Answer 13

Effective as would allow Scotland to have say on various issues

Question 14

Nationalist - Rebuttal Point

Answer 14

Many believe this approach is risky

Question 15

Nationalist - Rebuttal Explain

Answer 15

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

Question 16

Nationalist - Rebuttal Example

Answer 16

Gap in what Scotland raises & what it spends is over £28 billion that needs funded by borrowing

Question 17

Nationalist - Rebuttal Analysis

Answer 17

Not effective as Scotland doesn’t have enough money to become independent

Question 18

Nationalist - Conclusion

Answer 18

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

Question 19

Labour - Point

Answer 19

Labour party recognises there’s a case for reform

Question 20

Labour - Explain

Answer 20

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

Question 21

Labour - Example

Answer 21

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

Question 22

Labour - Analysis

Answer 22

Effective as they’re offering something that appeals to everyone

Question 23

Labour - Rebuttal Point

Answer 23

Proposals unlikely to appeal to enough Nationalists

Question 24

Labour - Rebuttal Explain

Answer 24

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

Question 25

Labour - Rebuttal Example

Answer 25

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

Question 26

Labour - Rebuttal Analysis

Answer 26

Not effective as England will still be main focus of UK

Question 27

Labour - Conclusion

Answer 27

While recognising need for reform, proposals more likely to appeal to unionists than nationalists

Question 28

Overall Conclusion

Answer 28

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

Question 29

Overall Conclusion

Answer 29

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