Devolution Flashcards
What year was devolution introduced in Labour’s manifesto?
1997
When were the 1st referendums for devolution
Wales and Scotland- 1997
London and Northern Ireland- 1998
(N.Ireland was part of a vote on Good Friday Agreement)
What Acts were passed to implement the results of the referendums?
- Scotland Act 1998
- Northern Ireland Act 1998
- Government and Wales Act 1998
- Greater London Authority Act 1999
These Acts formalized the powers and structures of the devolved administrations.
Main reasons for introducing devolution?
1) To provide an expression for nationalism
2) Part of New Labour’s wider constitutional reform to modernise and democratise Britain
3) Believed devolution would improve public services and economic conditions
It aimed to address calls for greater autonomy and democracy.
What significant powers does the Scottish Parliament hold?
*Key public services (e.g. health and social policy, education)
- Fiscal powers - controlling income tax rates and bands and right to 50% of all VAT, Holyrood raises 60% of the money it spends
The Scottish Parliament has the most powers of all devolved bodies.
Who has been in government in Scotland since 2007?
Scottish National Party (SNP)
What was the outcome of the Supreme Court’s ruling in 2022 regarding the independence referendum?
Scottish Parliament does not have the power to unilaterally legislate for an independence referendum
This ruling reinforced the principle of parliamentary sovereignty.
What does ‘Devomax’ refer to?
Full economic independence of a devolved region
It represents a proposed future reform in the context of devolution.
What was the result of the 1997 Welsh referendum?
Majority of 50.5% voted for devolution on a 50% turnout
This was a narrow victory, leading to the establishment of the Welsh Assembly.
What powers were granted to the Welsh Parliament after the 2011 referendum?
Primary legislative powers
This allowed Wales to have more control over its laws and governance.
What is the status of Northern Ireland’s devolution since its introduction?
Fragile, with frequent suspensions and issues in power-sharing
The governance in Northern Ireland has been unstable, often requiring intervention from Westminster.
What is the main purpose of the Barnett Formula?
To determine funding for devolved bodies
However, it has been criticized for not considering relative need- Wales receives less than Scotland despite being poorer
What does EVEL stand for?
English Votes for English Laws
This was introduced to address the West Lothian Question.
What was a significant impact of COVID-19 on devolution?
Increased visibility of devolved governments and their policies
Leaders made public announcements and decisions that highlighted the differences in governance.
3 Positive Impacts of devolution on democracy?
More effective representation of local electorates
More proportional election systems in Scotland (AMS) and Northern Ireland (STV)
Parliamentary Soverignty is maintained
Negative Impact of devolution on unity in the UK?
Assymetric nature undermines unity as different citizens hve different levels of representation
Increased nationalism and calls for independence-devolution has fueled sentiments that challenge the unity of the UK
Relations betwen devolved bodies/leaders increasingly strained
Arguments for further devolution to devolved bodies?
They have shown they can run public services effectively
No reason why Wales shouldn’t be given same powers as Scotland
Significant scope for more fiscal devolution
May discourage Scotland from voting for independence
What is a concern against further devolution to England?
None of the proposed methods are practical
Little public calls for it
Other measures can be taken e.g. reintroducing and adapting EVEL, scrapping Barnett Formula
Arguments against further devolution of devolved bodies
Greater disparity in public servies offered to people, especially tax raising powers, further undermines equal citizenship
Many areas of regulation are reserved- national policies better protect people and limit burden on businesses (food and safety standards)
Have already proved to fail economic and political benefits (Northern Ireland)
Positive Impact on Policy
Scope for experimentation- some policies tried in devolved bodies adopted across UK e.g. ban on smoking in Scotland
Policy reflects interests of local populations
More effective policy making- Greater Manchester’s greater control over health policy correlated with modest increases in life expectancy
Arguments for further devolution to England?
Devolution is asymmetric; England is underrepresented
Helps to solve West Lothian Question
Would give outlet for nationalism within England, preventing it being manifested in divisive ways e.g. like Brexit
What is the West Lothian Question
Deals with parliamentary voting rights of different MPs
Scottish, Welsh and N.Irish MPs can vote in UK Parliament on English matters but this is NOT vice versa
What does EVEL stand for?
English Votes for English Laws
This was a mechanism to allow only English MPs to vote on certain issues.
Arguments for establishing an English Parliament?
Completes devolution, granting same level of representation
More coherent system, with federal UK Parliament responsible for UK-wide isses
Could be combined with codification of constitution
