Alternatives for Scotland Flashcards
(31 cards)
BI (key points)
Scottish Parliament opened in 1999 and given devolved powers.
U.K responsible for reserved matters for whole of U.K, Scottish parliament responsible for devolved matters affecting Scotland
Some people argue devolution has been successful, many argue that alternative ways to govern Scotland should be explored
LOF
Independence, muscular unionism, federalism, and devolution max
LOA
Devolution doesn’t work well enough and that an alternative system of governance would work better
P1
One view is that independence would be the most effective way to govern Scotland
P1 explain (key points)
Current system of devolution = democratic deficit and Scotland is a nation trapped in an unequal union.
SNP argue that Scotland is being held back by decisions made by Westminster.
Nationalists point to other European countries to highlight that Scotland would have more success as an independent country.
All decisions in Scotland should be made for Scotland by the Scottish people and people want an independent Scotland
P1 example
According to a poll conducted by ScotNational, from 07.04.25-11.04.25, out of 1,112 Scottish adults, 56% said they would vote to see an independent Scotland if there was a second referendum tomorrow
P1 analysis
This shows that independence is what the majority of the Scottish population want and it would allow Scotland to follow the political will of its people
P2
However, whether independence would be beneficial for the governance of Scotland is widely contested
P2 explain (key points)
No guarantee of Scotland’s success
Many variables at play
Commission Growth Report outlaying that there would be exponential costs of setting up government departments and systems with a possibility of very high debt
Scottish economy would fail without union support
P2 examples
The Growth Commission Report argues that independence would cost approximately £450 million to establish
Setting up defense in Scotland would cost between £1.6-£2.5 billion
P2 analysis
High financial risks involved which may see Scotland no longer having the 6th largest economy in the world without the support from the union
P1 + P2 link
Clear to why there’s so many conflicting views regarding independence
Scotland under devolution does suffer from a democratic deficit and independence may be the only solution
P3
An alternative view would be that rather than independence, Scotland should retain muscular unionism
P3 explain (key points)
Labour party
No real need to reform the governance of Scotland
Instead, reconstruct current system such as abolishing current House of Lords
Scotland would have more power in parliament so their opinion would be better represented without independence
England and Scotland = equal as power would be ‘de-centralised’
Scotland relies on U.K parliament
P3 example
Between 2022-2025, the U.K gov provided £41 billion to the SG so if Scotland went independent, they would lose this funding at be at risk of going into debt
P3 analysis
By keeping U.K together and reforming current system, Scotland’s voice would be uplifted and allow for a more equal union
P4
However, this does nothing to appease the demands for reformation of Scottish politics
P4 explain (key points)
Doesn’t do anything to alleviate the current democratic deficit that many in Scotland argue is evident
Predominant parties in Westminster think Scotland is better in the union and many attempts for a referendum has been blocked as U.K would be weaker and poorer
Scotland has oil and weapons so if became independent, rest of U.K wouldn’t have access which could be a problem if an issue arrives
England still has dominance and can stop Scotland from doing what’s best for them
P4 examples
Recent intervention by Westminster into Scotland’s decision-making abilities. Westminster used section 35 to block Scotland’s gender recognition act as well as having previously blocking key elements of Scotland’s Bottle Return scheme
P4 analysis
Clear democratic deficit and Scotland doesn’t have equal powers.
Westminster can block bills which would improve Scotland so Scotland can’t do best for their citizens
P5
A further alternative view would be the introduction of a federal model for Scotland
P5 explain (key points)
Allows Scotland and England to have more equal power as power would be de-centralised from central government to regional governments
Federal gov can handle national matters and ensure constitution is upheld
Federal gov would resolve disputes between regional govs
Regional govs allows constituents to be better represented
F+R would have own elected representatives and power to levy taxes
Aims to balance benefits of a unified gov with the flexibility of regional govs so regions can respond to their own issues but still be part of a larger and cohesive nation
P5 example
Scotland would have the power to pass legislation in order to help tackle their problem with drug-related deaths
P5 analysis
Unlike current system, federalism would help the U.K to be stronger as it allows an equal split of power and allows each state to do right by their citizens
