Devolution and UK Governance

Flashcards covering key concepts related to devolution and governance in the UK.

Scottish Parliament establishment

Established in 1999 after a referendum in 1997 where a majority voted for devolution.

Scotland Act 2016

Granted the Scottish Parliament powers over Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, and enhanced tax-raising capabilities.

Additional Member System (AMS)

The voting system used in the Scottish Parliament to balance constituency and proportional representation.

Tensions with Westminster

Includes blocking the Gender Recognition Act via Section 35 and UK Supreme Court's denial of a second independence referendum.

Welsh devolution achievements

Included greater control over health and education, promotion of Welsh culture, and bilingual teaching.

Criticisms of Welsh devolution

Notable issues include low voter turnout (47% in 2021), limited devolved powers (such as no control over policing and justice), and Labour dominance.

Northern Irish devolution aim

Primarily aimed at reducing sectarian violence and promoting power-sharing through the Good Friday Agreement (1998).

Single Transferable Vote (STV)

The electoral system used in Northern Ireland, designed to fairly represent both communities.

Weaknesses of Northern Irish devolution

Include frequent breakdowns in power-sharing (2017-2020) and tensions arising from Brexit and the NI Protocol.

Devolution in England

Applied through metro mayors and city deals, offering limited powers over transport and housing.

West Lothian Question

The issue of MPs from devolved nations voting on matters that affect only England.

Criticisms of English devolution

Involves limited mayoral powers, low voter turnout (e.g., 24% in Liverpool), and inconsistent regional devolution.

Fixed-Term Parliament Act (2011)

Required UK elections every 5 years unless a 55% majority of MPs voted for an earlier election or the government lost a no-confidence vote.

Limitation of PM power by FTPA

Prevented PMs from calling snap elections at will, similar to practices before the Act.

Repeal of the FTPA

Repealed because it did not effectively prevent snap elections and the 2022 Dissolution Act restored power to the PM.

Recall of MPs Act

Allows MPs to face a by-election if convicted of crimes or suspended for over 10 days, pending a petition signed by 10% of constituents.

Examples of successful recalls

Notable cases include Fiona Onasanya, Margaret Ferrier, and Peter Bone, all removed due to scandals.