5.3 - The Impact of Devolution on the United Kingdom Flashcards

1
Q

What is devolution?

A

The transfer of power from central government to subnational governments.

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2
Q

Why did Blair make devolution an essential part of New Labour’s programme?

A

It brought decision making closer to the people in an effort to constitutionally modernise the UK.

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3
Q

Why did Blair think the powers of devolution would strengthen the UK subnational ties?

A

Nationalist demands for greater self-determination would be satisfied.

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4
Q

How did devolution backfire on Blair?

A
  • The SNP has become far more powerful in Scotland replacing Labour.
  • There has been criticism of the asymmetric nature of devolution (England not getting any, Wales getting some, Scotland getting all)
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5
Q

What was the Act known as that established the Scottish Parliament and Executive?

A

Scotland Act 1998.

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6
Q

What did the Scotland Act 1998 involve?

A

Devolution of primary legislative powers to Scotland, including:

  • Local government
  • Housing
  • Environment
  • Law and Order
  • Education
  • Health
  • Income tax varying by 3p.
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7
Q

How has Scotland used their devolved powers?

A
  • Ban smoking in public places.
  • Freedom of Information Act 2002.
  • No tuition fees.
  • Council tenants cannot purchase their housing.
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8
Q

What powers does Westminster reserve over Scotland?

A

Issues such as:

  • Foreign policy
  • Defence
  • Immigration
  • Monetary policy
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9
Q

How were the promises for ‘extensive new powers’ to Scotland enacted?

A

The Smith Commission was established.

More powers were transferred, being:

  • Varying the RoI tax by up to 10p.
  • 50% of the proceeds of VAT in Scotland go to Scotland.
  • Determining abortion laws.
  • Deciding air passenger duty.
  • Determining speed limits.
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10
Q

What is the most significant inclusion of the Scottish Parliament Act?

A

Ensures the Scottish Parliament and Executive are permanent features of the UK constitution.

It can only be removed by referendum vote and not by Act of Parliament.

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11
Q

What event caused further desire for independence?

A

The fervently remain vote in Scotland compared to the leave vote for the rest of England and Wales.

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12
Q

What event in 2017 suggested there was still desire for unionism between Scotland and the UK?

A

The SNP lost considerable support since 2015.

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13
Q

Why does the independence movement have far less of an impact in Wales?

A

It was absorbed into the English state in Medieval times, not developing a distinct legal system.

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14
Q

Why has Welsh nationalism not seen as much success compared to Scottish nationalism?

A

The Labour party tends to win South-Wales and Plaid Cymru wins in North-Wales (far smaller).

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15
Q

Why was Wales offered less extensive devolved powers than Scotland in 1997?

A

There is less desire for Welsh nationalism.

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16
Q

What powers were Wales given due to devolution?

A

Powers over:

  • Healthcare
  • Education
  • Transport
  • Agriculture
17
Q

What do Wales’ devolved powers mean in practice?

A

They get to decide how to implement Acts of Parliament which had been passed at Westminster.

18
Q

What powers did the Wales Act 2014 devolve to Wales?

A
  • Control over the number of taxes.
  • Change of the name from Welsh Assembly Government to the Welsh Government.
19
Q

Why was Wales given powers over income tax?

A

George Osborne was a major proponent for decentralisation to encourage initiative without the need for referendum.

20
Q

What powers did the Wales Act 2017 further devolve?

A
  • Right to vary income tax by up to 10p.
  • Power over electoral arrangements.
  • Power over transport.
  • Power over energy.

Establishes the Welsh government as a permanent feature of the UK constitution.

21
Q

Why has Northern Ireland seen a different path to devolution?

A

The Troubles.

22
Q

How was power to be shared under the Good Friday Agreement 1998?

A

A power-sharing assembly to fairly represent both unionists and nationalists.

23
Q

Why is devolution in Northern Ireland seen as inseparable from the peace process?

A

Based on the principle that if unionists and nationalists can work together in assembly, then it should calm the sectarian violence.

24
Q

Why was STV used in Northern Ireland?

A

It is the most representative of all voting systems, so should reduce the chances of one party dominating.

25
Q

What are the rules of first minister and deputy first minister in Northern Ireland?

A

The leader of the largest party is first minister.
The leader of the second largest party is deputy first minister.

If one resigns, then the other must also resign.

26
Q

What powers have been given to Northern Ireland?

A
  • Education
  • Agriculture
  • Transport
  • Policing
  • Housing
  • Health and Social Services