Devolution Flashcards
Give three examples devolution has worked
Strengthened the Union - Scotland voted to remain in the 2014 referendum
Decentralised political power closer to the voters and has enhanced liberal democracy in the UK
Helped maintain peace in Northern Ireland - stopped IRA
Give three examples devolution has not worked
Results of 2014 Scotland referendum were close and many wanted a second referendum
Tension in Northern Ireland remain - 2021 - violent protests against NI protocol
Uneveness in UK - student tuition fees and NHS prescriptions were free in Scotland
What are two limits on devolved governments
No power over foreign policy – These remain reserved matters controlled by the UK Parliament.
Limited tax-raising powers – Devolved governments can adjust certain taxes but can’t fully control overall fiscal policy
Give 3 arguments for devolution in England
Would resolve the West Lothian Question - if other countries MPs should have votes that only affect England
Would allow an alternative electoral system - similar to that of Scotland etc. - helps participation
Fairness - England if the only nation without its own devolved parliament, assemblies etc.
Give 3 arguments against devolution in England
No widespread support - referendum in 2004 for an assembly in North East - 78% rejected
Other ways to solve West Lothian question - EVEL - used but abolished in july 2021
Would bring issues on what the role of Westminster parliament is - could lead to more conflict
Name 3 impacts of devolution on the UK government
Has reduced power of Westminster as many areas of gov have responsibility of the devolved assemblies
Raises more issues on the West Lothian Question
More variation in legislations within the UK - NHS prescriptions free in Scotland - 1% more income tax for those earning more than 150,00 in Scotland
Name 4 key events that brought Scotland devolved power
1997 - referendum in Scotland over devolution - majority of YES
1999 - devolved assembly set up
Scotland Act 2012 - tax raising power to Scottish Parliament - income tax - allows borrowing of up to £2 billion a year
Scotland Act 2016 - more power over abortion law, road signs, further tax power
Name the key event that brought Northern Ireland devolved power
1998 - Good Friday Agreement - end to the Troubles and creates a Northern Ireland assembly - devolved government
Name 4 key events that brought Wales devolved power
1997 referendum over devolution - 50.3% yes - small margin
1998 - Welsh Assembly created
2011 - referendum in Wales for more legislative powers - 63% YES
Wales Act 2014 - power on controlling stamp duty etc.
Senedd and Elections Act 2020 - Welsh Assembly no called Senedd and gvie 16/17 yr olds the vote
Give 3 points that devolution will lead to the break up of the UK
Independence - SNP pushing for 2014 independence referendum - won 48 out of 59 seats in Scotland 2019 GE
Brexit division - Scotland and Ni want to stay, England voted to leave
Policy inequalities - free uni tuition in Scotland - free prescriptions in Wales and Scotland - £750 avg weekly wage London vs £500 in Wales
Give 3 points that devolution will not lead to the break up of the UK
Improved representation - Wales 66% felt Welsh gov represented them
Northen Ireland stability - Good Friday Agreement reduced death from political conflict from 3500 to 158
Devolved body’s policies being used -
Scotland introduced a smoking ban in 2006, later adopted across the UK.
What 2 issues were there with devolution in Ireland
2017 -2020 - NI assembly was suspended due to breakdown in relations between the DUP and Sinn Fein - after DUP control on green energy scandal
Northern Ireland Assembly has not had its powers added to since inception - e.g: limited tax raising powers unlike Scotland or Wales
