5. Devolution

Question 1

What is devolution?

Answer 1

• Delegation of power from the UK parliament to assemblies in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

Question 2

What are the powers of the Scottish parliament?

Answer 2

• agriculture
• Enviroment
• education
• health
• transport
• income tax

Question 3

What are the powers of the Welsh assembly?

Answer 3

• agriculture
• Enviroment
• education
• health
• transport
• Fire and rescue services

Question 4

What are the powers of the Northern Ireland Assembly?

Answer 4

• agriculture
• Enviroment
• education
• health
• transport

Question 5

What are the arguments for devolution in England?

Answer 5

• it would be a logical extension of the creation of devolved assemblies
• it would bring parity across the UK regarding devolution
• Resolved the West Lothian Question
• allow an alternative elecotral system to be used, as is the cases elsewhere in the UK and therefore resolve the issue of electoral reform

Question 6

What are the arguments against devolution in England?

Answer 6

• England lacks the national identify of Scotland and Wales and Northern Ireland
• There is no widespread support for such a measure
• There are other ways to resolve the West Lothian Question such as EVEL (English Votes for English Law)
• Electoral reform is a separate issue and English devolution should not be create just to achieve it

Question 7

What is the impact of devolution on the UK government?

Answer 7

• Devolution has reduced the power of Westminster
• It raises the issue of English devolution and West Lothian Question
• Led to the government to transfer more powers to some English local authorities e.g. local transport, rubbish collections, etc