Devolution good for Scotland and wales, not NI and England

Question 1

Policy innovation and tailored public services

Answer 1

1. Scotland offers free prescriptions — policies widely supported by the public. 90% of prescriptions are free vs england 9.65 per medication
2. COVID-in some cases, devolved governments acted faster and more cautiously than Westminster. Scotland and Wales, for example, imposed lockdowns or kept restrictions longer when cases were rising again in 2021.

Question 2

Greater Democratic Engagement in devolved nations

Answer 2

1. Scottish Parliament turnout (2021) 63%, higher than typical local elections in England.
2. Turnout averaged 29% in metro mayor elections–> only regional devolution in england
   just Metro Mayors. West Lothian Question has been left unresolved

Question 3

Boost to National Identity while NI power sharing agreements are fragile

Answer 3

1. in 2023, majority of Welsh voters supported devolution, with only 22% supporting full abolition of the Senedd.
2. High public support: In Scotland, 70% consistently support the existence of a Scottish Parliament.
3. whereas NI has been suspended for 38% of its lifetime

Question 4

England dominates UK politics/ low interest in devolution

Answer 4

1. 80% of the UK population lives in England.– Westminster is elected majorly on english votes anyway
2. 2019- conservative party won 345/ 365 seats in parliament from england
3. 3/12 cities adopted the use of Metro Mayors when they were offered it in 2012
4. Greater Manchester under Andy Burnham, have shown how metro mayors can wield influence and deliver local change. Ie Burnham brought buses back under public control : regulated buses launched in September 2023

Question 5

Allowed peace and power sharing in NI

Answer 5

1. Devolution has supported a peaceful environment in NI for over 20 years
2. Promises of devolution and the restoration of the NI assembly in Stormont were included in the Good Friday Agreement

Question 6

Wales and scotland still lag behind in some aspects

Answer 6

Devolution hasn’t closed economic disparities—e.g., GVA per head in Wales is still the lowest in the UK.

Turnout in Welsh Parliament elections is often lower than Scotland—47% in 2021, compared to Scotland’s 63% 2021