Possible alternatives for the governance of Scotland

Question 1

When was devolution voted for and what percentage of people were in favour?

Answer 1

Voted for in 1997 and had a 74% voting favour.

Question 2

Describe devolution

Answer 2

Devolution allows Scotland to have control over education, healthcare policies and they have some taxation powers. However, Scotland is not in control of foreign policy or immigration.

Question 3

what has devolution allowed Scotland to do ?

Answer 3

Free uni tuition

Minimum unit pricing on alcohol

Free prescriptions

Question 4

Who is For and Against devolution?

Answer 4

FOR = CONSERVATIVES

AGAINST = SNP

Question 5

Describe full independence

Answer 5

This is when Scotland would take control over defense, immigration, taxation and foreign policy

Question 6

Statistics showing that support for independence varies.

Answer 6

December 2021 - 52% of Scottish people supported independence

July 2022 - 45% of people were in favour of independence.

Question 7

Arguments for independence

Answer 7

Better democracy (EU referendum - Scotland is always going to be outvoted because of population size)
Scotland population = 5.5 million
England population = 56 million

Scotland would be fully in control of taxation, foreign policy etc

Question 8

Arguments against full independence

Answer 8

What currency would Scotland use? Euro or sterling ?

Question 9

Describe federalism

Answer 9

• It involves greater devolution for the entire UK.
• It would expand the Scottish parliament’s power as well as the Welsh Assembly and Stormont.
• It would create similar parliaments in regions of England.
• Allows parliaments to make policies which help their local area.

Question 10

Arguments FOR federalism

Answer 10

It would satisfy Scot’s demands for greater power.
It resolves the West Lothian question.
It means Westminster would only control defense and foreign policy.

Question 11

Arguments AGAINST federalism

Answer 11

It is much more complex than other options.
It depends on English voters because of population size and right now England is against federalism.
Scottish nationalists might reject being considered equal to English regions.
It doesn’t resolve the issue of Brexit because Scotland would still leave the EU even though 62% of Scottish people voted to stay.