Origins of devolution Flashcards
When were devolved institutions established in Scotland and Wales?
1999
When and why did the pressure for devolution begin?
In the 1970s due to discontent with the UK political system and a revival of national cultures due to the growth of Scottish and Welsh nationalism
Define nationalism
A political movement or ideology that regards the nation as the main political community and believes the nation should be self governing
Which two parties made breakthroughs in Westminster in the lead up to devolution?
The SNP and Plaid Cymru
What did Callaghan’s labour government do in response to the growing pressure for devolution?
They held referendums on the creation of legislative bodies in Scotland and Wales
What was the outcome of the first Welsh devolution referendum?
Only 20% of voters backed it and it lost decisively
What was the outcome of the first Scottish devolution referendum?
52% of voters supported devolution, but Westminster stipulated that the assembly could only be created with 40% approval from the entire electorate, and only 33% of the electorate voted yes
When did demands for Scottish devolution begin to re-emerge?
During the long period of conservative government between 1979 and 1997
Who supported the second wave of demands for devolution?
Labour, the Lib Dems and key groups in civil society
What were voters asked in Blair’s devolution referendum?
- Whether they supported a Scottish parliament
- Whether they supported tax varying powers for this parliament
What was the outcome of the second referendum for Scottish devolution?
- 74.3% supported a Scottish parliament
- 63.5% supported tax varying powers
What was the outcome of the second referendum for Welsh devolution?
50.3% voted in favour. Western Wales, which has a higher proportion of Welsh speakers, were much more supportive than the east
Why were the SNP able to pressure Callaghan’s Labour government into holding a devolution referendum?
Labour had a minority government and so had to rely on the 11 SNP MPs at this time
What were the two main reasons that the liberals and SNP supported devolution in the 1970s?
- They thought it would enhance democracy by bringing government closer to the people
- It would respond to the nationalist sentiment in Scotland
Why can the 1970s devolution referendums be seen as having been doomed from the start?
The conservatives, supported by many Labour MPs, insisted on a safeguard stipulating that 40% of the electorate as a whole must vote in favour in order for devolution to be enacted
