Devolution Flashcards
What was the reaction to the idea of regional assemblies
Test opinion in the North East decisively rejected the idea in 2004- 78% voted ‘no’
What was a significant change to Wales in devolution
A referendum 2011, further powers to the Welsh Assembly
What was the result of the Wales 2011 referendum
The Assembly received direct law-making power in all the 20 policy areas , without the need to consult Westminster
What was the 2012 Scotland Act (3)
Scottish Parliament received more powers; borrowing powers, right to set its own rate of income tax, control over stamp duty.
What was English Votes for English Laws (EVEL)
Concession to English opinion and a solution to the West Lothian question
When was EVEL used
First time in 2016, to pass a housing bill without the involvement of Scottish MPs
What are ‘reserved powers’ (4)
Powers retained by Westminster; defence, foreign policy, constitutional matters, welfare benefits and important areas of economic policy (including trade, currency and interest rates)
What was set up on 1999
The Scottish parliament and government
Scottish government policy areas (5)
Policing, Housing, Health and Social services, Education and Economic development
Unique powers/policy of Scotland
Scottish students do not pay university fees and free nursing care for the elderly, tax varying powers
Further powers given to Scotland, following the Smith Commission in 2015-2016 (3)
Taxation and Welfare. Licensing of onshore oil and Gas.
Powers of the Welsh Assembly (5)
Housing, Education, Health, Rescue services and economic development
Powers that the Welsh Assembly and government does not have (2)
Has not gained powers over income tax and borrowing. Police and Justice are not devolved areas
What is the 1998 Good Friday Agreement
Brought devolution to Northern Ireland, sought to bring unionists and Republicans/nationalists together
How has the process of devolution been more uneven in N.Ireland
The Assembly has been suspended multiple times. Notable from 2002-2007
Powers of Northern Ireland
Housing, Education, Health and Social Services, Environment and planning, Economic development
What has devolution achieved in Northern Ireland
Helped to end violence between the unionists and nationalists by creating a power-sharing system of government
What is the limitation of devolution in Scotland
Scottish independence has been revived since 2016, since the SNP argues that the wishes of the majority of Scotland, who wanted to remain, have been ignored.
Why does Scotland have a strong devolved government? (2)
- Strong nationalist movement
- History of existing as a separate state; even before devolution it had distinctive institutions
e. eg different legal and educational systems
What are Wales’ concerns for devolution
- Nationalism is politically weaker
- more concerned with protecting cultural identity
Northern Ireland concerns for devolution
- faces different issues, due to its background of violent political division
- Creation of a power-sharing form of government is seen as critical to restoring peace
