Overview
This lecture covers devolution in UK politics, including its introduction, development in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and England, key arguments, policy differences, debates, and potential reforms.
Specification, Essay Questions, and Key Debates
- Devolution is a major topic in the UK constitution, covering Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and England.
- Typical essay questions focus on the success of devolution and whether further reforms are needed.
- Be prepared to analyze whether devolution has been good for some nations but not others, and to consider arguments for and against more devolution, especially for England.
Introduction and Rationale for Devolution
- Devolution was introduced by Labour in 1997 following referendums in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
- It aimed to address nationalism, satisfy calls for autonomy, and modernize UK democracy.
- In Northern Ireland, devolution was linked to the Good Friday Agreement to support peace.
Devolution by Nation
Scotland
- Created by the Scotland Act 1998 with significant legislative and tax powers.
- Most devolved powers, including control over health, education, justice, and fiscal policy.
- 2014 independence referendum showed high support for independence; more powers followed, especially via the 2016 Scotland Act.
- Supreme Court (2022) ruled only UK Parliament can approve independence referendums.
- Devo-Max and further reforms are debated; increased nationalism is significant.
Wales
- Initially received fewer powers due to limited national sentiment.
- Powers have increased via 2011 referendum and 2017 Wales Act.
- Controls health, education, environment, and some tax powers, but not law and order.
- Growing support for independence and calls for more devolution.
Northern Ireland
- Devolution established in 1998 as part of peace process; power-sharing is required.
- Controls health, education, some welfare, but lacks major tax powers.
- Government is fragile with frequent suspensions; unification with Ireland is possible.
England
- No devolved parliament; powers devolved to London and select city regions (e.g., Manchester).
- Metro mayors have limited powers over transport, policing, and economic development.
- English Votes for English Laws (EVEL) tried to give English MPs more say but was scrapped in 2021.
Overall Notes and Funding
- Barnett Formula determines funding; often seen as unfair to England.
- Public spending per head is higher in devolved nations than in England.
- Devolution supported by most PMs until Boris Johnson, who was critical.
Policy Differences and Case Studies
- Tuition fees differ: England £9,250/year, Scotland free, Wales £9,000 + grants, N. Ireland £4,630.
- Health policy divergence: prescription charges and social care vary by nation.
- COVID-19 highlighted differences and tensions in policy responses.
Key Debates
Impact on Democracy
- Pros: devolved bodies are more representative, responsive to local needs, and use proportional systems.
- Cons: undermines UK parliamentary sovereignty, turnout is low, and creates policy inequalities.
Impact on UK Unity
- Pros: satisfied some nationalist demands, stable peace in Northern Ireland.
- Cons: different powers fuel division, support for independence rising, and devolved leaders often clash with UK government.
Economic and Policy Impact
- Pros: allows policy experimentation and tailoring to local needs; some improved outcomes (e.g., health in Manchester).
- Cons: limited "devolution dividend," can increase inequality, and nationalist parties may focus more on independence.
Potential Further Reforms
Extending Devolution
- Pros: could improve services, use Brexit powers, and discourage breakup of UK.
- Cons: may increase inequality, limited public support, and risks to redistribution.
Reforms in England
- Arguments for an English Parliament: symmetry, representation, and clarity.
- Arguments against: impractical, creates more government layers, and little public support.
- Regional devolution proposals: may increase representation but risk fracturing identity and have little public support.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Devolution — The transfer of powers from central government to regional governments.
- Barnett Formula — Funding model allocating public spending to devolved administrations.
- Reserved Powers — Powers that remain with the UK Parliament.
- Fiscal Devolution — The devolution of tax and financial powers.
- Power-Sharing — When different communities share governing power, especially in Northern Ireland.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review essay plans on devolution, democracy, unity, and reform.
- Prepare examples of policy differences between UK nations.
- Practice potential essay questions on the impact and future of devolution.