How great a constitutional change has devolution been for the United Kingdom Flashcards
(10 cards)
1
Q
what are the strengths of the UK
A
- we have different perspectives
- different benchmarks
- hold each other accountable
- resources e.g. trade
- defence
2
Q
what are the weaknesses of the UK
A
- other countries can interfere with English issues and vice versa (West Lothian question
- Economically e.g. Scottish oil money going through Westminster
- Welsh, Scottish, NI independence
3
Q
what makes devolution a constitutional issue
A
- how power is shared across the UK
- changes laws in each separate country
- different elections in each country (NI = SV, Wales/ Scotland = STV)
- reserved power (power kept by Westminster e.g. national security)
Devolved power (power each country can change e.g. Scottish schools and NHS)
4
Q
what challenges currently exist around devolution?
A
- Brexit - Scotland was largely remain, England was 52% leave
- Scotland can’t leave unless PM grants it
- Brexit - trade (a trade border around Irish coast)
- SNP - SNP said if they got all the seats in Scotland that would give them permission to hold another independence referendum
- Oil - Westminster controls Scottish North sea oil
5
Q
what was the budget deficit, 2019 - 20 for England
A
2.6%
6
Q
what was the budget deficit, 2019 - 20 for Scotland
A
8.6%
7
Q
what are general devolved powers for all 3 countries
A
- Health
- Education
- Transport
- Local government
8
Q
what are general reserved powers for all 3 countries
A
- Constitution
- Foreign affairs
- Defence
9
Q
how much power has devolution granted
A
Devolution has granted the UK’s devolved governments significant power over domestic issues, especially in areas like health, education, transport, and the environment — but not full independence.
10
Q
Have some nations done better out of devolution than others
A
- Scotland - done best (has most powers)
- Wales - making progress
- Northern Ireland - Mixed (has strong powers but struggles with political instability)
