Devolution

Question 1

Essay plan - Has devolution had a positive impact on the UK

Answer 1

Greater identity for nations - However, Scottish independence
Reduced influence of Westminster - However, still powerful
Legislation more region sensitive - However, England unchanged

Question 2

Greater identity for other nations (1)

Answer 2

UK is secured, Blair believed Scotland would be independent now without devolution
Peaceful environment in Northern Ireland through Good Friday Agreement
Wales and Scottish assemblies permanent feature of constitution

Question 3

Scottish Independence (1)

Answer 3

Second referendum looking likely
Sturgeon claims Scotland taken out of EU by own free will as 62% voted to remain
Support grown by 13 seats
Michael Ancram said devolution would kill nationalism ‘stone dead’

Question 4

Restricted influence of Westminster (2)

Answer 4

Government constantly accountable to these regions - Scotland Act 2016 established which meant the could vary income tax by up to 10p in the pound
Wales given control of income tax by Osborne without need for referendum
Cannot be removed by Act of Parliament

Question 5

Westminster still far more powerful (2)

Answer 5

Still decides when to hand out referendums
Northern Ireland assembly was suspended in 2017 after DUP refused to support Nationalist demands for Irish Language Act, which resulted in Westminster rule until 2021

Question 6

Legislation is more region sensitive (3)

Answer 6

Legislation in devolved regions go further than in England like Scotland’s Freedom of Information Act 2002
Scotland First Nation to ban smoking in public areas
Cornwall first county to be given devolved powers in 2015

Question 7

England is short changed (3)

Answer 7

EVEL has been abolished by House of Commons in July 2021

Strong sense of regional identity in places such as Yorkshire