Impact Of Devolution On The UK

Question 1

What is the impact on the British cinstitution

Answer 1

-it has been changed from unitary to quasi-federal
-one hand — UK retains unitary features as devolution can be removed by act parl from Westminster
-other hand — UK strong element of federalism as policies in key areas devolved to regional assemblies
-since 2016 scot act Westminster can’t legislate on devolved matters without consent from Scot parl

Question 2

What is the impact on policy variation

Answer 2

-policy responses to COVID 19 varied widely
-some said this led to inequality across UK e.g. tuition fees, income tax rates, education systems/qualifications

Question 3

What is the impact on alternative voting systems

Answer 3

-different systems across UK incl AMS + STV
-proportional systems often lead to coalitions or minorities
-different systems have increase representation in different regions - multi-party governance now norm not exception in regions

Question 4

What is the impact on pressure groups

Answer 4

-it impacts how, what + where PG’s campaign
-COP26 seen environmental campaigns coverage on Glasgow
-PGs inevitability focus energies + resources on where policies are going to be made