Most Effective Ways To Govern Scotland Flashcards
Introduction
The Scotland Act of 2016 which was enacted on the recommendations of the Smith Commission, following the results of the independence referendum in 2014, whereby the majority of Scotland chose not to leave the British state. When discussing the issue of the most effective way to govern Scotland, this essay will consider whether the current status quo would be a more effective way of governance than independence for Scotland whilst considering areas such as taxation, Brexit, social security and the U.K. government and the influence Scottish people have on deciding this. This essay will nevertheless argue that governing Scotland as an independent country is a more persuasive model in which Scotland should be governed.
Economy (KNOWLEDGE 1)
One view about the most effective way to govern Scotland is that it should be independent from the UK, PARTICULARLY WHEN CONSIDERING THE ECONOMY This can be seen when looking at Westminster’s control of the Scottish taxation system.
This is evident when examining the fact that Scotland have no power over corporation tax and VAT revenues, former financial secretary John Swinney stated that over a 10-year period Scotland would lose £3 billion due to the current status quo.
Economy (KNOWLEDGE 2)
However, Scotland being independent may not be the most effective way to govern the country and she may be better off economically under the current devolved settlement. This can be seen when viewing the fact that Scotland now has some power over taxation SINCE The 2016 Scotland Act.
This is evident as in 2018 new Scottish Tax bands were introduced including an intermediate tax band between £24,000-£43,400 which helped people to pay fairer tax amounts. As a result of this 70% of Scots have payed less tax.
Economy (evaluation)
In evaluation, the current status quo would grant some benefit to Scots as they would have to pay less. On the other hand it is clear that independence would be the best decision for the governance of Scotland as it would give more economic freedom and control over the comprehensive taxation system (such as VAT) to the Scottish public and also may save Scotland money in the long term.
Democracy (KNOWLEDGE 1)
Another view about the governance of Scotland is that when considering the issue of democracy, Scotland would benefit from being independent. This can be seen when looking at the Brexit referendum in 2016.
This is evident due to the fact that 62% of Scots who voted in the Brexit referendum voted to remain part of the European Union (EU). Yet as a result of the British-wide nature of the referendum, Britain overall voted to leave the EU.
Democracy (KNOWLEDGE 2)
R:However, independence may not be the most effective way to govern Scotland when considering the issue of democracy and the current devolved settlement may be more beneficial. This can be seen when examining the 2014 independence referendum held in Scotland.
This is evident due to the fact that in the referendum, and with a high voting turnout, 55% of Scots voted to remain part of the United Kingdom and not become independent.
Democracy (evaluation)
In evaluation, the current status quo arrangement recognizes the political voice of Scottish Voters as they opted to remain with the UK in 2014 as the best way to govern Scotland. On the other hand, though it is clear that when ascertaining the potential independent governance of Scotland this would be more effective if Scotland’s democratic voice had been heard over the Brexit issue when the vast majority voted to remain in the EU.
Welfare (KNOWLEDGE 1)
One view about the governance of Scotland is that the country should be independent when considering welfare. This can be seen when examining Westminster’s stringent control of welfare and social security.
This is evident as Westminster has control of over 85% of social security spending as exemplified by Jonathan Bradshaw of the University of York who predicts that Westminster and the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) is expected to reduce spending by a total of £3.7 billion by 2021.
Welfare (KNOWLEDGE 2)
However it could be argued that independence is not the most effective way of governing Scotland and that she remains better off as part of the current status quo. This can be seen when examining the current devolved settlement and the current powers Scotland has in the areas of welfare and social security.
This is evident, as shown by the fact Scotland, under the terms of the 2016 Scotland Act, currently has control over 11benefits including Carers Allowance and Disability benefits, as well of social security spending.
Welfare (evaluation)
In evaluating whether or not independence is the most efficient way to govern Scotland, it can be suggested that with the current status quo as it grants Scotland power over some new acts and welfare benefits introduced, evidenced by the fact that Scotland has control over 11 benefits as well as proportionate control over social security spending. On the other hand, it is clear that Scotland would be better governed as an independent nation due to the fact of the impending cuts and reduced expenditure from Westminster will adversely impact of the people of Scotland directly.
Defence (KNOWLEDGE 1)
One view about the most effective way to govern Scotland is that it should be independent, particularly when considering defence. This can be seen when examining the issue of defence which as a reserved power, Scotland has not say in the fact that Britain’s nuclear weapons -Trident- are based at Faslane, near Helensburgh.
This is evident in the fact that the SNP have argued that the money spent on Trident would eb better spent of education and reducing child poverty –‘Bairns not Bombs’ was their slogan at the 2016 elections.
Defence (KNOWLEDGE 2)
However, some argue that Britain is better off as part of the status quo when it comes to defence.This can be seen that under the current devolved settlement, the UK armed forces are amongst the best in the world and Scotland is a better defended nation as a result and would be weakened if independent..
This is evident in a Guardian article of 2021 which discussed if Scotland became an independent nation and removed TRIDENT, that Nato’s secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg, said that Scotlandwould have to reapplyto join NATO if it left the UK and that Gower said: “Joining the nuclear alliance Nato on a political non-nuclear platform would be at best exceedingly difficult.”
Defence (evaluation)
In evaluation, it could be argued that the current status quo is the most effective way to govern Scotland in relation to defence as it allows Scotland the security of having nuclear capability as well as being part of Nato which would not be guaranteed if independent. On the other hand, it is clear that when considering the fact Scotland that the Scottish government does not want nuclear weaponry in this country in the first instance, this may show that Scotland would be better governed as an independent country.
Conclusion
In conclusion the most effective way to govern Scotland would be through having the country as an independent nation, despite some advantages to the current status quo arrangement, it is clear that Scotland being an independent nation would be a far more effective way in terms of governing the country.
Firstly, in terms of Brexit, the independence model would be proven more effective in governing Scotland as almost a fifth of powers Scotland once had devolved in terms of the EU would be returned to a Westminster settlement. Overall, Scotland should be governed as an independent nation.
