Devolution in A-Level Politics

What is Covered?

• Scope: Knowledge, key arguments, debates, and essay questions.
• Topics: Introduction to devolution, power distribution in different UK countries (Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, England), key debates, and potential reforms.

Introduction to Devolution

• Origin: Introduced by Labour in the 1997 election manifesto.
• Why Introduced: Expression for nationalism, to silence calls for independence, greater autonomy and democracy, improved public services, and economic conditions.

Devolution in the UK

Scotland

• Development: Scottish Parliament created by the Scotland Act of 1998.
• Powers: Legislative and tax-varying powers, control over public services (health, education, justice), fiscal devolution, constitutional powers.
• Politics: SNP in power since 2007.
• Referendums: 2014 independence referendum showed 45% support for independence, led to Scotland Act 2016 granting more powers.

Wales

• Development: Far fewer powers initially due to low national sentiment; powers increased after 2011 referendum and 2017 Wales Act.
• Powers: Control over health, education, environment, housing, economic development, and some fiscal powers.

Northern Ireland

• Context: Part of the Good Friday Agreement of 1998, includes power-sharing between communities.
• Government Fragility: Frequent suspensions due to power-sharing issues.
• Powers: Primary legislative control, service devolution (health and social services).

England

• Variation: No parliament, varied devolution with greater London Authority and city regions.
• Powers: London has strategic control (transport, policing, economics); city regions focus on economic growth.
• English Votes for English Laws: Introduced and then scrapped due to complexity and lack of support.

Key Debates on Devolution

Democracy

• Positive: More effective representation, proportional electoral systems, UK parliamentary sovereignty remains.
• Negative: Undermines parliamentary sovereignty, low turnout in devolved elections, unequal citizenship, undermines redistribution.

Unity of the UK

• Positive: Prevents nationalist movements from achieving independence, stable peace in Northern Ireland.
• Negative: Asymmetric devolution undermines unity, fuels nationalism, strained relations between UK government and devolved bodies.

Economic and Policy Impacts

• Positive: Policy experimentation, local policy reflecting local interests, effective policy making in some areas.
• Negative: Devolution dividend hasn't been substantial, undermining equal citizenship, focus on independence over policy making.

Potential Further Reforms

Existing Devolved Bodies

• Arguments For: Effective public service systems, brexit allows for more policy areas, more fiscal devolution could discourage independence.
• Arguments Against: Creates disparities in public services, insufficient public support, potential burdens on businesses.

Devolution to England

• English Parliament: Would create a symmetrical system, giving expression to English identity but could create tensions and has little support.
• Regional Devolution: Would address regional interests and create balanced devolution but might break up England and dominate urban interests.

Conclusion

• Essay Questions: Focus on the impact and success of devolution and potential reforms.
• Resources: PDF available for detailed notes, essay plans, and other study aids on the Politics Explained website.

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