Devolution 1976-79

Question 1

What had happened by 1977?

Answer 1

-lab majority in HoC had disappeared

Question 2

What did Callaghan do in response to this?

Answer 2

-had to strengthen his gov by forming the ‘lib-lab pact’
-through this pact was able to defeat vote of no confidence tabled by cons
-this a vote on whether gov able continue governing

Question 3

What did the ‘lib-lab pact’ entail?

Answer 3

-12 lib MPs agreed vote with gov in parl
-in return Callaghan promised move ahead with devolution for wales + Scot

Question 4

What was the reaction to Callaghan agreeing to move ahead with devolution?

Answer 4

-nationalists in Scot + wales welcomed opportunity
-majority in cons + many within lab opposed it

Question 5

What happened in 1978?

Answer 5

-lengthy debates in parl
-but devolution acts passed opening way for referendums

Question 6

What was the problem with these referendums?

Answer 6

-terms for referendums set up to make it unlikely devolution would pass
-Lab MP who opposed it inserted clause that 40% electorate had to approve devolution for it to pass

Question 7

What were the results of the referendums?

Answer 7

-Wales turnout 59% — 20.3% yes but 79.7% no
-Scotland turnout 62% — 51.6% yes + 48.4% no

Question 8

When were they held + what were the results?

Answer 8

-held 1st march 1979
-Wales - against it
-Scotland - more voted in favour but rules stating a simply majority wasn’t enough meant devolution defeated

Question 9

What was the result of this in Scotland?

Answer 9

-Scot nationalist MPs disappointed
-withdrew support from lab