evaluate the view that devolution hasn't gone far enough Flashcards
- for should there be an English parliament?
Solves Asymmetry in Devolution: England currently lacks the same level of representation as Scotland, Wales, and NI.
Represents English Policy Preferences: Just as Scotland’s left-wing leanings shape its policies, an English Parliament could reflect English priorities.
Creates a More Coherent Federal System: Would clarify UK-wide vs. national responsibilities (e.g., UK Parliament handles defence/economy; devolved parliaments control health/education).
**Solves the West Lothian Question: Scottish MPs currently vote on England-only laws, but English MPs can’t vote on Scottish laws.
Example: 2024 Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill—passed with a 46-vote majority from Scottish MPs despite only affecting England & Wales.
- against should there be an English parliament
Adds Bureaucracy: Creates another layer of government, increasing complexity and costs.
Would Cause UK Government Conflicts: As England makes up 85% of the UK, an English Parliament could challenge UK-wide authority.
Federalism Works Best Without a Dominant Region: In countries like the US, power is more evenly spread across states, unlike in the UK.
Lack of Public Support: Most English voters feel sufficiently represented by the UK Parliament.
UK Parliament Already Represents English Interests:
Example: Brexit—Scotland and NI opposed it, but it was pursued to reflect England’s majority vote.
Hidden Agenda? Some backing an English Parliament may just want a codified constitution, not necessarily devolution reform.
- for should there be more regional devolution in England
Closer to the People: Regional assemblies would address local interests, improving democracy and representation without disrupting the UK Parliament.
Greater Manchester Example:
Andy Burnham’s Mayoralty: Effective control over local healthcare and policy decisions.
Healthcare Impact: Devolution linked to modest increases in life expectancy due to prioritising mental health care.
Trailblazer Devolution Deals:
Greater Manchester & West Midlands: Gained administrative control (e.g., post-19 education, housing, infrastructure).
These deals don’t grant full legislative power, but offer substantial autonomy and funding.
Labour’s Support for Devolution: Starmer’s government has signed 8 new devolution agreements and supports further decentralisation to improve local decision-making.
Policy Innovation & Learning: Regional assemblies can experiment with different policies (e.g., Scotland’s smoking ban was later adopted UK-wide).
- against more regional devolution ion England
reaks Up England’s Unity: More regional assemblies could fragment England, weakening a coherent national identity and expression of English interests.
Lack of Public Support:
2012 Birmingham Referendum: 58% voted no for an elected mayor, with only 27.67% turnout.
2004 North East Referendum: 78% voted no for a regional assembly, with 47% turnout.
Undemocratic Imposition: The North East assembly was introduced despite little support, leading to perceptions of undemocratic decisions.
Regional Identity Issues: Some areas, like Yorkshire or Cornwall, have strong identities, but others, like Berkshire, lack such support, leading to uneven interest.
Arguments for the Current State of Devolution
Sufficient Reforms:
64% of England’s population is covered by devolved bodies (e.g., combined authorities, metro mayors).
Devolved bodies have significant administrative and financial control, especially in transport and regional economic growth.
Limited Potential for Further Reforms: Further reforms would likely require granting primary legislative control, which could challenge UK Parliament’s power
- should further powers be granted to NI ETC
Effective Public Services: Existing devolved bodies (e.g., Scotland, Wales) have shown they can manage public services and make effective policy decisions, especially highlighted during COVID-19.
Closer to Local Opinion: Granting further powers allows devolved bodies to reflect local views and address specific issues more effectively.
Expansion of Powers (Scotland):
Powers over transport, welfare, and tax could allow Scotland to align policies with its more left-wing population.
SNP has advocated for the devolution of immigration policy.
Brexit creates opportunities for devolved bodies to take control of areas previously governed by the EU, like agriculture and energy.
Wales’ Potential for More Power:
Despite being smaller, Wales could gain further control, especially over justice and policing.
Independence Concerns: More autonomy for Scotland and Wales could reduce the push for independence, as greater control over key policy areas might satisfy demands for self-government.
- against further devolution to NI ETC
Increased Disparities:
Further devolution, especially in tax powers, could worsen inequalities, leading to uneven public services and laws across regions, undermining equal citizenship.
Low Public Support:
Voter turnout is low for devolved elections (e.g., 46.6% in Wales in 2021), and there is strong opposition from unionist parties, such as the DUP in Northern Ireland, against further devolution.
Ineffectiveness of Devolved Bodies:
Despite higher per capita spending, devolved regions like Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have faced issues in health services. The Guardian (August 2023) reported that these regions have worse NHS performance, with longer waiting lists, even though they spend more on healthcare.
Dysfunctional Governments:
Northern Ireland’s Assembly is frequently suspended due to tensions between Sinn Féin and the DUP, questioning the effectiveness of devolved governance when it fails to function consistently.
key examples
example of west Lothian question
what does gm and West Midlands control
labours suport for devo 2024
2012 buemigham ref for mayor TO
2004 North east ref
% of england covered by devolved bodies
what has snp advocated for
what did the guardian report in 2023
1.2024 Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill—passed with a 46-vote majority from Scottish MPs despite only affecting England & Wales.
2.Gained administrative control (e.g., post-19 education, housing, infrastructure).
3.Starmer’s government has signed 8 new devolution agreements and supports further decentralisation to improve local decision-making
4.58% of 27% TO
5. 78% 47% TO
6. 64%
7. for the devolution of immigration policy.
8. reported that these regions have worse NHS performance, with longer waiting lists, even though they spend more on healthcare
sections
1.should there be an English alriament
2. more regional dev In England ?
3. devo max?
LOA
hasn’t gone far enough
