Devolution Flashcards
Define ‘quasi federalism’.
Power is delegated from the central government to sub-national governments whilst the central government still retains reserved powers.
In what year were the Scottish and Welsh assemblies established?
1999.
What did the Scotland Act 2012 do?
Devolved some tax raising powers and allows the Scottish government to borrow up to £2 billion.
What did the Scotland Act 2016 do?
Devolves further powers i.e. onshore oil extraction, road signs and allows Scotland to change its electoral system.
What happened in Northern Ireland in 2017?
Collapse of power sharing agreement. NI Assembly is suspended.
What powers did the Wales Act 2017 devolve?
Many similar to that in the Scotland Act 2016 with the exclusion of power to set income tax rates.
Give some arguments in favour of an English Parliament.
Arguments in favour:
✔ Parity (uniformity) cross the UK regarding devolution.
✔ Greater accountability - constituent’s voices would be heard better (Relative to current Westminster).
✔ Reduce London-centrism (could be moved to a different city reduce London’s dominance in politics and the media).
✔ Regional assemblies would replace unaccountable, bureaucratic ‘Quangos’ - 529 in 2005 e.g. Forestry commission 🌲.
✔ Alternative electoral system - no longer reliant upon FPTP - e.g. Wales’ 2003 gender split - a result of AMS?
Give some arguments against an English Parliament.
Arguments against:
❌ Lack of empathy for such issue - e.g. 2004 North East referendum was rejected 78% to 22%. With 48% turnout.
❌ Tensions between PM and elected mayors/members of the assembly - e.g. 2020 Andy Burnham tensions between PM regarding lockdown restrictions.
❌ Low mayoral turnout (2021 GM = 34.7%) = low turnout at regional assembly elections.
❌ Electoral reform lacks empathy from voters e.g. AV referendum - 42% turnout.
Has Devolution in Scotland been a success?
Yes:
✔ Policy tailored to the electorate - young and progressive - free sanitary products & 2006 ban on public smoking.
✔ 74% of Scots have a favourable view.
✔ Extend the franchise to 16 year olds.
No:
❌ Un-United Kingdom - 2010 = 28% want independence compared to 48% in 2021.
❌ Alex Salmond, “Creation of Scottish parliament will lead to independence.”
Has Devolution been a success in Wales?
Yes:
✔ In 2003 it became the first 50/50 gender split legislative body in the world - representative.
✔ Extend the franchise - in 2021 16 year olds could vote.
No:
❌ YouGov - 41% have an unfavourable view of Senedd’s governance.
❌ Welsh NHS has an avoidable mortality rate of 16%.
Has Devolution been a success in Northern Ireland?
Yes:
✔ Allowed peace to flourish - 55% want to keep the system - decisions are made on mutual agreement (nationalists and unionists).
No:
❌ Privation of gov. e.g. 2017 collapse of power sharing agreement - civil servants substituted - proportional system failing the people of NI?
Give an example of an English devolved assembly.
The London Assembly - 25 members and a mayor (Sadiq Kahn) - responsible for education/transport/environment (e.g. 2003 congestion charge).
What did A.V. Dicey say about quasi-federalism?
“There can be no halfway house between parliamentary sovereignty and separatism.”
