Topic 6 - Devolution Flashcards
(21 cards)
When did devolution happen for Scotland?
1998 Scotland Act; Parliament opened in 1999
The Scotland Act 1998 established the Scottish Parliament and transferred certain powers from Westminster.
When did devolution happen for Wales?
1998 Government of Wales Act; Assembly opened in 1999
The Government of Wales Act 1998 created the National Assembly for Wales.
How is the Scottish Parliament structured?
19 MorS, elected using Additional Member System (73 constituency, 56 regional list)
Led by a First Minister and Scottish Government
MorS refers to Members of the Scottish Parliament.
What devolved powers does the Scottish Parliament have?
- Health
- Education
- Justice
- Transport
- Environment
- Income tax rates
- Housing
- Agriculture
These powers allow Scotland to govern various aspects of public policy.
What reserved powers did Westminster retain?
- Defence
- Foreign policy
- Immigration
- Constitution
- Trade
- Monetary policy
These powers are not devolved to the Scottish Parliament and remain under UK government control.
What were the arguments for Scottish independence in 2014?
- More control
- Nuclear disarmament
- Oil revenues
- Full membership in organizations
Proponents of independence argued that Scotland could better manage its resources and policies.
What were the arguments against Scottish independence in 2014?
- Economic uncertainty
- Loss of UK subsidies
- Unclear EU status
- Currency concerns
Critics feared that independence would lead to economic instability and loss of benefits.
Why did the 2014 referendum not resolve the issue of Scottish independence?
- Brexit: Scotland voted 60% Remain
- Continued dominance of SNP in Holyrood
- Perception that UK government ignored Scottish interests
The aftermath of Brexit reignited calls for independence due to differing views on EU membership.
Should Scotland have another independence referendum?
For: Brexit changed circumstances, democratic mandate via SNP/Greens
Against: 2014 vote was ‘once-in-a-generation’, economic instability and legal barriers
The debate continues about the legitimacy and timing of another referendum.
How is the Welsh Assembly structured?
60 Members of the Senedd (MSs), elected via Additional Member System, led by a First Minister
The Senedd is the Welsh Parliament, which has evolved from the National Assembly for Wales.
How have the powers of the Welsh Assembly expanded since its creation?
- 2006 Wales Act: Legislative powers in devolved areas
- 2011 Referendum: Full law-making powers
- 2017 Wales Act: Devolved income tax powers and renamed to Senedd Cymru/Welsh Parliament
These changes reflect the growing autonomy of Wales in governance.
What did the Good Friday Agreement do?
- Created a power-sharing Northern Ireland Assembly
- Required cooperation between unionists and nationalists
- Ended most violence from the Troubles
- Established North-south institutions and UK-Ireland cooperation
The agreement was pivotal in bringing peace to Northern Ireland.
What issues have arisen from the power-sharing nature of the Northern Ireland Assembly?
- Frequent collapse of the Executive (e.g., 2017-2020, 2022-2024)
- Polarisation between DUP and Sinn Féin
- Institutional gridlock
The power-sharing arrangement has faced challenges, leading to political instability.
What impact has Brexit had on Northern Ireland?
- Northern Ireland Protocol: Creates trade barrier in Irish Sea
- Unionist opposition led to Assembly collapse
- 2023 Windsor Framework revised protocol but tensions remain
- Risk to peace and stability
Brexit has complicated the political landscape in Northern Ireland, particularly regarding trade and governance.
Should non-English MPs be able to vote on English-only laws?
Yes: MPs represent the whole UK; laws can have indirect impact
No: Undermines English democracy; violates principle of devolution
This debate centers around the fairness and representation of different UK regions.
What role does local government have in England?
- Provides services: education, housing, transport, social care
- Some areas have metro mayors (e.g., Andy Burnham, Greater Manchester)
- No devolved English Parliament
Local governments play a crucial role in managing public services and governance.
What are the main features of Quasi-Federalism?
- Power is devolved but not constitutionally entrenched
- Centre retains legal sovereignty
- Regional variation in policy (e.g., education, health)
- UK Parliament remains sovereign
Quasi-federalism describes a system where powers are shared but not rigidly defined.
Should the UK become a federal state?
Yes: Clarifies powers, entrenches devolution, fair to all nations
No: English dominance would skew federal balance; complex transition
This question considers the potential benefits and drawbacks of federalism in the UK.
How has devolution led to policy divergence?
- Education: No tuition fees in Scotland
- Health: Free prescriptions in Wales and Scotland
- COVID: Different lockdown rules across UK
- Environment: Scotland banned fracking
Devolution has allowed regions to develop distinct policies in various sectors.
What is the Barnett Formula and what issues are there around the funding of devolution?
- Adjusts public spending based on population and devolved responsibilities
- Criticised as outdated and unfair (e.g., higher per capita spending in Scotland)
- No reflection of need or regional inequality
The Barnett Formula is a method of allocating funding to devolved governments in the UK.
Has devolution undermined the Union?
- Rise of nationalist sentiment (e.g., SNP)
- Increased demand for independence
- Policy divergence weakens shared identity
- Devolution accommodated national differences
- Majorities still support union in Northern Ireland and Wales
The impacts of devolution on national identity and unity are complex and multi-faceted.
