Devolution evaluation

Question 1

List arguments in favour of extending devolution

Answer 1

it has been successful and is accepted by a vast majority of people in those regions
it would address the problem of over-centralisation of power in the UK government
it addresses the west lothian question
it may make the break of the UK less likely - regions such as Scotland will be given more control over their own affairs and may be less inclined to wish to achieve full independence

Question 2

List arguments against extending devolution

Answer 2

powers may end up being too fragmented this may lead to possible differences in legislation in different areas and confusion over how laws differ in different UK regions
giving regional governments more powers may accelerate independence they may wish to become formally separate to reflect this i.e the demands of the SNP have been dimmed by the accumulation of powers by the Scottish government.

Question 3

List arguments about whether or not the UK should become a federal state

Answer 3

it would provide coherent constitutional settlement for the UK and establish a clearer relationship between the government of UK, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
creating an English parliament and government apart from a federal UK would answer the ‘English vote for English law’ question
the house of lords could be reformed to become a chamber representing the component nations of the Uk or abolished

Question 4

list arguments against the UK becoming a federal state

Answer 4

federalism works best in states where there is not a dominant nation or region. It is unsuitable for the UK where England makes up majority of the population
disputes over funding occur in federal states it would not resolve issues concerning welfare provision
there is little public appetite for a federal UK with devolution being the preferred constitution in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland