Debate Over Introduction Of Proper Devolution To England

Question 1

Argument for English parliament

Answer 1

-would complete devolution process in logical way — early supporter cons MP Gorman 1998 said eng deserved ‘fair + equal treatment’ devolving parl end asymmetry in UK
-provide permanent answer to West Lothian que + end convoluted attempt relax foxhunting ban in eng + wales after SNP said MPs would vote against measure
-reduce centralisation of power in Westminster - any parl most likely be placed outside london thus reduce dominance of london over eng politics

Question 2

Arg against English parliament

Answer 2

-any eng parl would dominate a federal UK both economically + by population e.g. would contain 85% of total population + generate bulk of national DUP
-Eng looks cohesive + strong cultural identity found in other areas of country - Cornwall + Merseyside for instance enjoys strong regional identities but had little in common with each other
-lack public enthusiasm for it - modest attempt introduce regional assembly for north east Newbury rejected 2004 referendum 78%-22% - lack support for eng devolution has had minimal influence on support for eng parl

Question 3

Should england have own parliament

Answer 3

-would complete devolution + remove asymmetry but England different from other regions terms of size + economy what has worked in smaller parts of UK mat nit work in largest region
-would enable eng identity + culture to flourish but eng lacks own national identity as culture + identity more regional
-would enable more power to be decentralised away from london but would be considerable example involved + would weaken role of Westminster parl significantly