5 - Devolution Flashcards
(13 cards)
What has happened in the UK?
- Devolution AKA Quasi-Federalism
- Westminster devolved powers down to regional assemblies
- “Layer-cake” federalism
Key Beginning Events?
1) Scotland and Wales Referendums - Both voted in favour (Wales very slim)
2) Good Friday Agreement 1998 ends Troubles and allows N. Ireland assembly
3) Devolved assemblies set up in Scotland & Wales 1999
Key Legislation for Scotland?
1) Scotland Act 1998 - Gave Scottish Parliament some primary legislative powers (e.g. health, education)
2) Scotland Act 2012 - Tax authority Revenue Scotland and tax-raising power (10p to £)
3) Scotland Act 2016 - Further transfer of powers (e.g. abortion + speed limits) + make laws over voting for Scot Parliament
- Since, passed 300 pieces of legislation
Key Legislation for Wales
1) Wales Act 1998 - Welsh Assembly with secondary legislative powers (e.g. fishing)
2) Wales Act 2006 - Allowed referendum to transfer primary legislative powers
3) 2011 referendum - 64% YES for 20 areas of primary power
4) Wales Act 2014 - Tax-raising powers (duties)
5) Wales Act 2017 - More primary powers (e.g. road signs, harbours)
6) Wales Act 2020 - Senedd name + vote for 16 like Scotland
Key areas where all assemblies lack powers?
- Brexit negotiations
- Foreign policy
- National security & defence
Memberships of the assemblies?
Scottish Parliament - 129
Senedd Cymru - 60
N. Ireland Assembly - 90
Key Legislation for N. Ireland?
1) Good Friday Agreement 1998 - Est. N. Ireland Assembly after 71% YES referendum
2) Brexit 2016 - Created tensions over Irish border and trade
2) 2017-20 - Suspended over collapse of power sharing (Abortion and gay marriage rights pushed through by Westminster)
How has devolution worked well?
1) Recognised regional political differences (e.g. Scotland + Wales free prescription)
2) Popular with voters (e.g. Wales 1997 to 2011)
3) Strengthened union
How has devolution not worked well?
1) Inequalities in provisions (e.g. Scotland free tuition)
2) Increased demands for separation
3) Still fragile (e.g. Ireland Assembly)
Devolution within England?
1) Local Government Act 2000 - Set up directly elected mayors in local councils (e.g. Andy Burnham in Manchester)
2) 57 unitary councils
3) 32 metropolitan boroughs
What is the Westlothian Question?
Tensions over English MPs not being able to vote on devolved matters but Scottish, Welsh and N. Irish MPs being able to vote on English matters
What is EVEL?
- English Votes for English Laws
- Existed 2015-21
Should England have devolution?
YES:
1) Bring matters closer to voters
2) Remove London’s dominance in politics
3) Solve Westlothian Question
NO:
1) 2004 NE referendum 80% NO
2) Lead to issues on role of Westminster
3) England is much larger with less national identity
