Using the source, evaluate the view that devolution has created more problems than it has solved.

Question 1

Agree: Making inequalities worse (North/South divide)

Answer 1

• Metro mayors in England suffer the responsibilities of things like public transport in their area yet their funding is allocated on a needs basis that isn’t sufficient.
• When Greater Manchester was placed in higher tiers of restrictions, Burnham demanded a higher level of financial support for workers who would be impacted.
• This revealed a gap in power, as metro mayors like Burnham did not have full control over economic stimulus measures or health decisions during the crisis.
• The Mayor of London has control over TfL including railways. Metro Mayors, such as Burnham, only have control over buses.

Question 2

Disagree: Region specific solving of inequalities and confidence in policies closer to home:

Answer 2

• This decision-making power in areas of domestic policy such as welfare provision was further increased for Scotland in the Scotland Act of 2016 (gave them control over abortion laws, speed limits, air passenger duty).
• In 2017 the Wales Act of 2017 allowed it to be turned into a parliament- giving limited law-making functions. Gives the Welsh Ministers new powers in areas such as energy, planning, roads and harbours; Gives the Assembly new powers over its own internal, organisational and electoral arrangements
• EVAL: The fact that the West Loathian question remains unanswered has created resentment - EVEL

Question 3

Agree: the NI assembly is hardly functional - suspended on more than one occasion

Answer 3

• The Northern Ireland government has experienced lengthy suspensions and suspension and direct rule.
• The power-sharing arrangements established under the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement of 1998 are easy to disrupt. The largest party in either the Nationalist or Unionist bloc in the Stormont Assembly can upend devolution by refusing to participate in governing, something which has happened multiple times in the 25 years since the Agreement (DUE TO THE STV SYSTEM).
• The last standoff was triggered by Brexit’s upheavals. - The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) abandoned power sharing in February 2022, in protest over the Northern Ireland Protocol’s arrangements which differentiate Northern Ireland from Great Britain.
• This should increase pressure for direct rule under the 1998 Agreement’s terms, to increase the accountability for decision making in Northern Ireland.

Question 4

Disagree: Good Friday agreement created peace

Answer 4

• The 1998 Good Friday Agreement was a major step forward for Northern Ireland. Devolution has secured a peaceful environment in Northern Ireland for over 20 years.
• A peace dividend is typically defined as the economic boost that a nation or region receives from the cessation of conflict. This boost comes about because governments can reduce security spending and reallocate the money saved to more productive economic activities. The economy can also benefit from a decrease in uncertainty and a more stable political environment, which encourages investment.
• In 1998, the nation’s GDP per capita was 20% lower than the overall UK level, albeit higher than either Wales or the North East (the poorest region in England).
• By 2019, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, Northern Irish GDP per capita had grown 27% in real terms.

Question 5

Disagree: Keeps parliament sovereign

Answer 5

• Devolution to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland does not alter the principle of parliamentary sovereignty. The UK parliament can legislate for all parts of the UK, including in relation to devolved policy areas, as well as to amend the powers of the devolved institutions themselves.
• The Scottish parliament’s Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill was passed by Holyrood in December but the UK government later blocked it from becoming law using powers it has in the 1998 Scotland Act. Westminster claims it would have a “significant impact” on equalities and others are concerned about the content.
• It is the first time Westminster has used the power since devolution nearly 25 years ago.