Evaluate the success of Devolution? Flashcards
(10 cards)
What are your three points for Evaluate the success of Devolution?
Regional differences
UK policy and unity
Minority/cross party fail
What is the definition of devolution?
the transfer of power from the central government in Westminster to regional or local administrations within the UK
Is your point that devolution in the UK was either successful or unsuccessful?
Unsuccessful
Politically does Scotland lean more left or right
left
How has devolution created positive regional differences?
Why is this a weak argument?
increased the income tax rate for the highest earners to 46p in the pound for those earning over £150,000 pa compared to 45p in the rest of the UK.
weak argument: Current government labour England left leaning align with Scotland more empower to ‘get stuff done’
How has devolution strengthened policy making (unity) in the UK
Why is this a weak argument?
UK government can learn from policies elsewhere. Scotland’s 2006 ban smoking closed spaces
weak argument: Policy ideas, including the banning of smoking in enclosed public places or a 5p charge on plastic bags first brought in by Wales or Scotland, would have happened anyhow via Westminster. Wales’ 20mph speed limits was controversial
How has devolution aided minority and cross parties and not failed them?
Why is this a weak argument?
2016 Scottish parliament election SNP go 63 fell short of majority managed to run through backing other parties case by case basis. Scotland uses AMS (vote 2 votes one for constituency and other proportional representation regional list)
How has devolution created negative regional differences?
university tuition is free in Scotland but costs over £9,000 pa in England.
How has devolution weakened UK policy and unity?
Devolution has encouraged demands for greater separation and full independence. The result of the Scottish referendum was quite close (55%-45%) and devolution has given many the confidence that they can run their own affairs better without Westminster involvement. SNP main party in Scotland
How has devolution failed minority and cross parties?
NI assembly 2017 collapsed because divisions between parties suspended over 3 years challenges maintaining a stable devolved government in place with politics tension.
