Devolution Flashcards
What is devolution
Devolution is the transfer by the centre of powers to subordinate authorities (whether a ‘nation’ like Scotland, or region like London), whilst retaining sovereignty .
Why did NL want to introduce devolution
- Decision making was brought closer to the people = stronger sense of identity
- Gain more votes
- Deliver social justice
How did they introduce devolution in Scotland?
- Asked if they wanted a Scottish Parliament with law-making powers and if they wanted it to have tax-varying powers
- Voted overwhelmingly in favour to both questions with 74% yes
What powers did the devolved assembly have in Scotland?
- Their main powers were:
○ Health service
○ Education
○ Roads and public transport
○ Criminal and Civil Law
○ Policing
○ Authority services
○ Income tax up or down by 3 per cent
Which party was in control until 2007 in Scotland?
Scottish Labour
Why has SNP been in control since 2007?
2011 - SNP overall majority of seats in the Scottish Parliament (very hard given it is a form of proportional represntion - additional member system). This put ‘demorcratic’ pressure on PM Cameron to grant a referendum. Also, thought he could win with the No side. Only Westminster can authorise a referendum as they control constitutional policy.
2014 - The actual referendum resulted in 55% saying No and 45% said Yes. The turnout was over 80% as it was a very significant election.
2016 - Scotland Act meaning Cameron grants more powers to Scottish Parlimanet to reduce future demands for independence. This is such as tax raising powers and over energy (fiscal).
2016 - Briexit referenfum where 62% of Scottish people voted to remain so that they had protection if they were ever independent. Brexit angered them and helped to boost SNP.
2023 - Sturgeon resigned partly because the UK Supreme court confirmed that only Westminster could authorise Indy 2.
How did NL introduce devolution in Wales, how different from Scotland?
1997 Referendum Wales
- Close-run
- Majority was 50.5-49.5 in favour of devolution
- However only a 50% turnout was seen so only a quarter voted in favour
- This resulted in Wales being given less powers than Scotland
Which party has been in control of Welsh government since its devolution?
Labour
How did NL introduce devolution in NI
Devolution settlement was part of a resolution of 30 years of conflict from the 1970’s. Resulting in the Belfast Agreement restoring devolved powers they last had in 1972.
How is devolution different in NI from Scotland and why?
- Called transferred powers
- FPTP
- No single party could gain an overall majority due to NI Executive
Why has devolution been suspended for periods?
Unionist and Sinn Fein cannot agree and get on to produce a working and stable assembly
Should England have a Parliament like the Scottish, Welsh and NI?
Yes
- Deolvution should be symmetric to give English control of local affairs
No
- English voters do not need EP as they are majority (they are 85%) and Westminster is in England
- Could produce tensions as England tends to be Conservative, the other three left of centre
- Would it necessitate a codified and federal constitution
Even the closest attempt, EVEL failed.
What is EVEL and why has it faded out?
English Votes for English Laws was a comprimises brought by the conservative that when a law only affected England eg on education, oly English MP’s at Westminster could vote on it. Boris Johnson abbandoned it during Covid as it became more time consuming determining if it is an England only Law (too complicated).
How have some English cities been given greater powers. Give one example each of London and Greater Manchester developing their own policies.
Coalition era brought attempts to introduce directly elected mayors to major cities across England.
London = following a referendum a mayor was elected and they control distribution of funds and a variety of appointments.
Greater Manchester = elected a metro-mayor so they could combine and share resources/services across a wider area
Arguments for and against devolution having made an impact
Scotland = SNP dominant, personal care for elderly is free, prescription are free, no university fees, greater restrictions on fox-hunting
Wales = no school league tables published, free prescriptions under 25, free school milk for under 7, more help for homeless, free home care for elderly, university tuition fees are capped at £6000
NI = Republicans and loyalists have to cooperate in government, gay marriage not recognized until 2020, greater restrictions on abortion, free prescriptions
