March 2025 Devolution Flashcards
Explain Scotland devolution
Scotland already had a political identity in 1997, when a referendum was held to gauge support for devolution. Also, SNP was much stronger in Scotland, so devolution was an urgent matter.
The vote was overwhelmingly in favour, so The Scotland Act granted this and was passed the following year. The first Scottish Parliament was elected.
The Scotland Act 2016 represented a large transfer of powers and independence of action. This 2016 Act and Devo-Max was a second devolution stage, which reflected that a clear appetite for greater devolution despite Scots voting against independence.
SNP continued to grow after the 21st century, which caused the 2014 Scotty Indy referendum.
Explain Welsh Devolution
1997 Welsh devolution referendum was close, so powers given were only administrative (implementing laws and services).
Further demands for devolution grew after 2010, so *increased powers were given to Wales in 2014**.
Also, the 2010 coalition supported further decentralisation of power, and Lib Dems helped the process.
There was fear that if new powers were devolved to Scotland, the Welsh and Scottish govt power difference would be too wide.
Explain Northern Ireland devolution
NI was different to Wales and Scotland, because they had full PR (STV) so nobody could form majority and it forced coalitions. All major parties were guaranteed ministerial positions to force rivals to work together.
The NIA has been unstable compared to other devolved bodies, and has been fragile. However, nationalists in the govt continue to campaign for more devolved powers. But, progress will likely be slow as many aren’t particularly enthusiastic about home rule.
In 2002, the UK govt dissolved the NIA to emphasise the UK being a federal system. Although, some may argue it was enough for the NIA still has limited powers so it isn’t a federal system. On the other hand, devolution is a process rather than an event so this doesn’t mean the UK won’t be a federal system… it’s just happening slowly due to disagreements within the govt.
