Devolution made more problems than solved

Question 1

Example of constitutional imbalance

Answer 1

“West Lothian Question” has been unresolved as the suggested mechanism of EVEL- where only English MPs vote on english laws was abolished in 2021

Question 2

But tailored policy making and local accountability

Answer 2

Scotland introduced free university tuition and prescription charges abolition. 90% of prescriptions are free (vs England, where they cost £9.65 each unless exempt)

Wales free prescription and plastic bag charges

Question 3

Success for peace in NI

Answer 3

Devolution was vital for the Good Friday Agreement (1998) and has contributed to relative peace. Unionists vs loyalists

Question 4

Rise in nationalism

Answer 4

In the Scottish independence referendum 2014, 45% voted to leave

Question 5

Increased democratic participation

Answer 5

Turnout for devolved elections in Scotland and Wales has increased over time.

Scottish Parliament 2021 election turnout: 63%

Question 6

policy inefficiency

Answer 6

COVID-19 policies varied significantly across nations—different rules caused public confusion. (England and Wales required people to stay at home for several weeks in October and November of 2020 while Northern Ireland and Scotland did not)