Evaluate the extent to which the next logical step for devolution is the creation of an English Parliament. Flashcards
Introduction - Themes
- West Lothian Question
- Regional
- Parties
Introduction - Argument
England as a country is so large that the next logical step is not to create an English Parliament, however, this does not mean more devolution to England is not necessary
Do Not Create - West Lothian Question - Point
An issue was raised in 1997 from MP Tam Dalyell concerning MPs representing devolved areas being able to vote on English matters. However, developments in 2015 made this issue seemingly obsolete
Do Not Create - West Lothian Question - Examples
- In 2015, David Cameron created an English Votes for English Laws which meant if a speaker deemed a problem to only concern England, then only the English MPs would vote for it
- The speaker used EVEL for 9 bills in the first year - one of the most prominent being The Higher Education and Research Bill in 2017
Create - West Lothian Question - Point
Due to the controversial nature of EVEL, it was overturned in 2021, now there are no such provisions. This, therefore, renews the demand for some sort of English Parliament
Create - West Lothian Question - Examples
- The reason why EVEL was called for initially was when Scottish MPs voting to increase tuition fees to £3,000 a year was the only reason the bill was able to pass. This had no affect on Scottish students
- EVEL was not repealed due to the fact Conservative and Labour MPs fel it was unncessary, rather they felt there must be something more official in place
Do Not Create - Regional - Point
The most prominent argument that England does not need an English Parliament is the shear magnitude of the country comparied to the other nations with devolved bodies
Do Not Create - Regional - Examples
- 84% of the UK’s population is in England and they make up 533 out of 650 seats within Westminster
- There is limited demand for devolution in England - in the 2004 Northeast Referendum on devolution 22% voted for and 78% against
Create - Regional - Point
Even though an English Parliament may be unecessary and unwanted, the massive population of the country means that regional devolution would be more effective
Create - Regional - Examples
- Since passing the Cities and Local Government Devolution Act 2016 there has been the establishment of 8 metro-mayors. This devolution has worked well and now nearly 36% of the English population are governed by devolution
- These devolved assemblies do not have anything like the powers of Scotland or Wales, the Scottish Parliament’s budget is £59.7bn while Tees Valley only has £450m
Do Not Create - Parties - Point
The parties that dominate Westminster is always either the Conservatives or the Labour Party. These are mainly English Parties meaning that in Westminster or devolved bodies it would still be the Conservatives or Labour in power, rendering an English Parliament pointless
Do Not Create - Parties - Examples
- The Greater London Assembly has always been dominated by Labour and the Conservatives. After the 2021 elections, Labour won with 11 seats and Conservatives in close second with 9
- Scotland has the SNP, while Northern Ireland has Sinn Fein and the DUP
Create - Parties - Point
Labour and the Conservatives may dominate devolved bodies around England, however, there is much greater influence of small parties at regional level. The introduction of greater devolution in England with PR system would benefit the smaller parties
Create - Parties - Examples
- The third largest party in the Greater London Assembly is the Green Party with 3 seats, 2 more than in Westminster
- Despite Wales having a national party, Plaid Cymru, it is still the Conservative and the Labour Party which dominate the Welsh Parliament. In 2021, Labour won 30 seats and the Conservatives 16
