ETVT devolution has been a success

T1 – Preserving the Union, no

Asymmetric devolution undermines equal citizenship that threatens unity of UK.

E.g. England controls many Welsh services while S/NI control own, e.g. Policing. Applies to England itself, where Barnett Formula dictates funding per citizen, England loses out, lowest spent per capita (£12600 vs Scot £14800, NI £15400).

May have led to inc nationalism e.g. Sturgeon IndyRef2 2019-2023 resignation. Scotland result in 2014 ref (45/55) disregarded as remain majority in Brexit ignored, growing call for independence, 2026 Sunday Times Poll show 12% lead in favour of independence.

For first time in NI, SF has largest number of seats, largest party in nationalist bloc, suggesting move towards independence across multiple bodies.
Result of growing frustration with England and intervention in bodies e.g. 2023 Sunakl Section 35 order to block Scotland Gender Reform Bill. Devolution has furthered desire for independence.

T1 – Preserving the Union, yes

UK is still functionally held together, union remains.

Lack of success from nationalist movements satisfies devolution demand for self gov and preservation of UK. Esp important in NI, Good Friday Agreement tailored to end troubles to preserve union while preventing violence, created framework for long term stability.

Could be that independence result of CON government failures, compared to current Starmer gov seen as more cooperative. Labour 2024 manifesto commitment of reducing breaches to Sewel Convention by implementing new memorandum of understanding.

T1 – Preserving the Union, overall

Growing dissatisfaction with devolution (leading to calls for independence) may suggest failure in preserving union, but legal sovereignty of Westminster over bodies means functionally devolution has been successful, may take many years before independence referendums are even considered (firm NO from all major parties currently).

T2 – Improvement of Democracy, no

Differing levels of democracy through UK creates inequality among citizens.

Fiscal Devolution undermines redistribution of resources from rich to poor, preventing inequality from being tackled across nation.

Low turnout in local elections suggests citizens feel less important than GEs (Wales never reaches above 50%), suggesting illegitimacy of bodies.

Extent of positive impact on democracy also limited by Westminster restriction (Sewel Convention) (non-binding), e.g. passing of Abortion legislation in NI despite DUP opposition, passing of Strikes Act 2023 despite Scottish and Welsh opposition. Parl sov fundamental to British democracy, but hinders democracy of devolved bodies.

T2 – Improvement of Democracy, yes

Devolution allowed for more effective local representation, greater democracy, devolved bodies respond to concerns of electorate.

E.g. Scotland, greater left wing pop than rest of UK, reflected in SNP governments since 2007 that can implement specific policies e.g. free prescriptions, free uni tuition, high top rate income tax.

Only possible due to SLP/PLP from Scotland Act 1998/2016. Latter esp sig, granting full fiscal autonomy (10p/£1). Also seen in COVID, E/W/S/NI relaxed restrictions at different speeds according to needs.

Success with democracy regarding voting systems, devolved bodies use more PR, greater voter choice. AMS in Scotland/Wales can vote for split ticket, Don’t have to tactical vote for desired outcome, compared to GE (MakeVotesMatter say 20% voted tactically 2024 GE).
Votes less likely to be wasted, greater pol autonomy reduces dem deficit, inc ptcptn.

T2 – Improvement of Democracy, overall

Demonstrates clear improvement of democracy in devolved bodies compared to pre-devolution, yet English dominance and inferiority of bodies (democracy can be overridden) shows clear inequality. Nonetheless, still moderately successful in this regard