Mr Scriven - Devolution Flashcards
Explain and analyse three benefits of devolution
P1- stoped nationalist rebellion ands stabilised the uk state
E.g 98 Good Friday agreement gave some legislative powers to NI
However can be seen that there are still nationalist movements such as 2014 Scottish independence and second indyref - it has largely withheld pressures from an ultimate breakup of the union and the 4 states remain one unitary body = best of both worlds scenario
P2 - democratisation
E.g turnout for Scottish independence referendum 2014 was 85% one of the highest ever
Devolution ignites passion on both sides of the Dante and brings the decision making closer to the people however England regions turnouts are quite low - 12%
P3- policy dividends
E.g Scottish government 2006 decision decision to ban smoking in enclosed areas later extended to other countries
Analysis - began to function as legislative laboratories where we can learn from policies launched elsewhere
Tax also varies which shows there’s been a growth in what issues are and aren’t a devolved matter
Evidence that devolution has weakened the union
- most people in the uk still feel British to some degree and only a minority in each favour independence
-has allowed initiatives that have been successful to be adopted elsewhere - policy divergence reflects the different interests of the nations of the uk
- devolution has proceeded smoothly without major disputes between British govt. and evolved bodies
- has answered Scottish, welsh and Irish demands for greater autonomy, bringing decision making closer to the people
- the prospects for peace and power sharing in NI are stronger than they were before 1997
Evidence devolution has weakened the union
- the SNP gaining power has led to Scottish referendum and possibly another one - the brexit referendum has increased possibility of this
- concerns over unified response to things like covid-19
- policy divergence has undermined the idea of common welfare rights in the uk
- the rules of the game on policy coordination and dispute resolution are not clear enough
- insufficient attention has been paid to the purpose and benefits of the union and Britishness since
- unease in England about the perceived un-fairness of the devolution settlement
- the piecemeal approach to devolution has meant problems have not been addressed properly e.g West Lothian question
Quasi federalism
- when the central govt of a unitary state devolves some of its powers to sub national govt
- has features of both unitary and federal state
- in legal theory there is one supreme legal authority located at the centre. In practice the centre no longer makes domestic policy for some parts of the state
- would be difficult politically (impossible) for the centre to abolish the sub national tier of govt
-different policy frame works operate within the state - senior judges rule on questions concerning the division of competences
Arguments for devolution
Increased localisation of decision making
Will lead to calls for English devolution
Brings govt closer to citizens
Reverses Anglo-centric domination of the UK
Popular support in Scotland - indyref 2014
Irish nationalist support
First step to independence
Rising support for snp
Brexit rejection in Scotland
Arguments against devolution
Lack of uk wide coordinated strategy e.g Covid-19 response
Will lead to calls for English devolution
Different tax rules in different parts of the uk
Unequal levels of govt spending across uk
Unionist support in NI, lack off support in wales
First step to independence (uk stronger together)
-economy
- internal/external security
- sport
-shared history
Scottish parliament
Elected by AMS with 192 msps in total
Devolved powers include:
-income tax rates
-health service
-social services
-abortion law
- environment
- housing
-transport
-education and more
Welsh devolution
60 members elected through AMS
Devolved powers include:
- income tax
- health and social services
- education and more
Northern Irish devolution (Good Friday agreement)
Established power sharing devolution and required the uk and Irish govt to amend thgeuir constitution to clarify the status of NI
Uses STV
Devolved powers:
-cooperation tax
- health and social services
-some welfare benefits
-economic development
-education
West Lothian question
If you only have a Scottish parliament that means only Scottish MPS whereas anyone can vote in Westminster not just English MPs
Case studies of West Lothian question - under Blair
Health and social care bill (2003)
All of uk = 302 for and 285 against
Just English = 234 for and 251 against
Higher education bill (2004)
All of uk = 316 for and 288 against
English only = 244 for and 246 against
Examples of quasi federalism / policy divergence
Abolition of tuition fees in Scotland
Abolition of pescription fees
Free dental care
Free eye checks
Free personal care for elderly
Pursuit on renewable energy products - rejection of nuclear energy systems
Minimum pricing on alcohol
Different lockdown rules
Exam cancellations
Drink driving limits - 0% in Scotland
Sale of alcohol stops at 10pm
No toll costs on roads, bridges and tunnels
Advantages of Scottish devolution
Devolution is widely seen as democratic- people can express their regional identities
It provides legitimate govt
Proportional representation
1999 executive (lib lab had 53%) and 2003 (50%) - no one else had 50%
Socially representative, more women and minorities, ethnics - 2003 =40% women
Resulted in distinctly Scottish policies e.g lockdown rules
Negatives of Scottish devolution
Devolution got off to a poor start - soaring costs of the parliamentary buildings discredited the cause in the short term
Fraught with danger that they might want more power (balkanisation) SNP would never be happy with a half way house
Executive sides with English
Policy difference between Scotland and England can cause difficulties
Intergovernmental bodies established under the Good Friday agreement
The Republic of Ireland has removed its constitutional claim to the 6 countries in the north . The agreement also paved the way for a new police service of NI and for the early release of those imprisoned for terrorist offences in the troubles
-north south ministerial council:
In this body, the NI executive and republic govt cooperate on cross border issues
-British Irish council:
Here the uk and Irish govt, the devolved administrations in Scotland, wales and NI exchange policy ideas - this also includes the Isle of Man and Channel Islands
-British Irish intergovernmental conference:
In this the uk and Irish govt discuss the situation in NI
