devolution & europe sources

Question 1

what are the devolution & europe sources?

Answer 1

1. debate on Scottish independence between Alex Salmond & Alistair Darling, 25/08/2014
2. debate on membership of the EU, 22/06/2016

Question 2

what is the context of the independence debate?

Answer 2

• Alex Salmond - SNP First Minister
• Alistair Darling - leader of Better Together campaign and former Chancellor
• key debate in lead-up to referendum

Question 3

what are the pro-independence arguments?

Answer 3

• economic independence: wealth generated from natural resources like oil - independence would allow Scotland to better manage its economy
• oil revenues: full control over North Sea oil revenues which would help fund public services and esnure financial stability
• political autonomy: welfare, education, and healthcare tailored to Scotland’s needs - leading to a more progressive and socially equitable society
• currency: Scotland could retain pound and have a say in BoE decisions but negotiations would be necessary
• global reputation: stronger international relations and become respected member of global community through EU and other international organisations

Question 4

what are the anti-independence arguments?

Answer 4

• economic uncertainty: questioned viability of the pound and potential instability if Scotland could not secure agreement with UK or EU on currency
• risks to public services: independence leading to austerity measures and cuts to public services due to uncertainty - pensions and benefits maybe at risk
• oil revenue dependence: overly dependent on oil revenues which are volatile and subject to global market fluctuations
• international standing: lacks the same international recognition and bargaining power as UK
• uncertain negotiations: Scotland may face challenges in securing favourable trade agreements and other key arrangements

Question 5

what is the context of the EU membership debate?

Answer 5

• final major TV debate before Brexit referendum
• panel of leave and remain supporters
• Leave: Boris Johnson, Gisela Stuart, Andrea Leadsom
• Remain: Ruth Davidson, Sadiq Khan, Frances O’Grady

Question 6

what are the pro-membership arguments?

Answer 6

• economic risk:
  
  • leaving EU would bring serious economic consequences according to economists and international bodies
  • EU membership boosts trade, investment, and jobs
  • uncertainty damages confidence in businesses and households
• workers’ rights and protections
  
  • EU protects workers’ rights like paid holiday, maternity leave, and limits on working hours
• influence and global clout
  
  • UK has more power ‘at the top table’ iin the EU - shaping rules that affect everyone
  • leaving reduces Britain’s influence in global affairs and trade negotiations
• security cooperation
  
  • EU membership enhanced cooperation on security, intelligence, and policing - helping fight cross-borer threats like terrorism and organised crime

Question 7

what are the anti-membership arguments?

Answer 7

• sovereignty and control
  
  • UK needed to ‘take back control’ over its laws, borders, and money
  • EU is undemocratic with unelected officials in Brussels making decisions for Britain
• immigration
  
  • EU freedom of movement meant the UK could not control its borders
  • framed as putting pressure on public services like housing, schools, and the NHS
• cost of membership
  
  • repeated controversial claim that UK sends £350 million a week to the EU which could be spent on NHS
• trade independence
  
  • UK could strike better deals outside the EU, especially with emerging economies
  • dismissed claims that Britain would be excluded from the single market

Question 8

what are the impacts of Brexit?

Answer 8

• has regained full legislative sovereignty but many EU regulations have been retained eg. data protection + NI’s unique position
• freedom of movement has ended yet net migration has increased largely driven by non-EU migrants and many sectors have faced labour shortages due to loss of EU workers

-the slogan was misleading populist messaging and there has been no boost from a Brexit dividend

• UK has signed many trade deals but most replicate existing EU agreements, economic gain has been limited and some are outweighed by losses in EU trade