devolution should be extended in england

Question 1

would address english question

Answer 1

-refers to fundamental unfairness in devolution
-MPs from other nations,with their own devolved institutions, can vote on english matters
-in 2004, Scottish and Welsh MPs voted to increase tuition fees for english students, but fees for students in those regions are solely determined by the devolved administrations
-two ways to solve english question: establish english parliament, or expand metro mayors with significant powers

Question 2

english question evaluation

Answer 2

-the establishment of an english parliament would likely render westminster impotent and could bring about the dissolution of the union

Question 3

decentralising power is democratic

Answer 3

-central government is unresponsive to local issues as it is guided by national priorities
-FPTP, majoritarian, may create a government which as at ideological odds with a region, e.g. Greater Manchester has a largely left wing, social democratic political culture, but is ruled under conservative majority
-regions have the ability to develop political culture in line with the region e.g. Andy Burnham and the ‘our pass’ scheme

Question 4

decentralising power evaluation

Answer 4

-localised governments could create new tyrannies of the majority e.g. permanent left wing rule in cities such as manchester

Question 5

intergovernmental cooperation is unsuitable for emergencies

Answer 5

-political issues cut across regional boundaries e.g. covid-19 was a national issue not a regional one, if there were partisan debates between institutions it could lead to unecessary delays and complexities in the law
-centralised government is more effective during national emergencies, as Westminster handled covid-19 with great success

Question 6

intergovernmental cooperation evaluation

Answer 6

-the issue during covid-19 was not metro mayors but partisan bickering and political posturing, this is a minor drawback not outweighing the pros of devolution

Question 7

new institutions lack democratic legitimacy

Answer 7

-the problem with metro mayoral elections is that they are often elected on reduced turnouts e.g. 2021 GMCA elections saw 34% turnout compared to 67% in the 2019 GE, a rate so low it arguably worsens the UKs democratic deficit and participation crisis
-the new institutions hold a much weaker mandate than westminster, so why devolve power

Question 8

democratic legitimacy evaluation

Answer 8

-it takes time for the electorate to become fully aware and engaged with new institutions, 20 years on from the start of devolution in Scotland turnout is now at 63% (2021) just 4% shy of the national

Question 9

democratic legitimacy evaluation

Answer 9

-it takes time for the electorate to become fully aware and engaged with new institutions, 20 years on from the start of devolution in Scotland turnout is now at 63% (2021) just 4% shy of the national