ESSAYS IVE DONE

evaluate the view that devolution has fulfilled its key aims (24/30)

INTRO  

• devolution is the transferal of political power from central gov to subordinate gov bodies

• introduced by Blair’s constitutional reforms

• devolution introduced to increase representation, enhance democracy and bring unity/peace

• overall devolution successful in these aims

PARA 1 - increase representation 

• devolved nations use PR electoral systems which allow minor parties to succeed

• allows for a broader number of parties to be elected into devolved governments, providing a wider range of policy, as well as giving nationalist/regional parties like SNP and Plaid Cymru a chance to be represented as they struggle under FPTP

  • SNP often dominates Scottish Parl under AMS system, getting 60/129 seats in 2021 election

  • 9/650 seats under Westminster system in 2024 GE

• devolution allowed for greater representation as the PR systems negates the need to vote tactically, bringing decision making closer to the people 

PARA 1 COUNTER - England not represented bc devolution is asymmetrical 

• many smaller regions in England don’t have mayoral bodies unlike major cities like Manchester and London

• underrepresentative as regions in England are more likely to have to rely on Westminster rather than regional bodies like the rest of the devolved nations

• ALTHOUGH English people seem to be ok with this

  • 2004 North East was offered an assembly and a high 78% rejected this

  • turnout often low in mayoral elections. Tees Valley mayoral election 2024 had 31% turnout

• arguably this is more representative

PARA 2 - enhanced democracy

• ability to focus on regional issues

• Scotland Act 1998 and Government of Wales Act 1998 granted the Scottish parl/Welsh Senned legislative powers, allowing them to create easily policy to directly help their citizens 

  • Scottish parl built 20,000 new homes and Welsh Senned passed the Infrastructure Act 2024 which allowed for significant infrastructure projects to be underway

• devolution has allowed for gov bodies that know the needs of their people and they are able to act quicker than Westminster would, enhancing democracy as needs of the people are more efficiently met

PARA 2 COUNTER - not that democratic bc West Lothian Q

• due to lack of English parliament and devolution being asymmetrical

• West Lothian Q is undemocratic as English citizens are having their needs being decided on by non-English MPs

  • introduction of tuition fees in 2004 passed mostly by Scottish MPs despite English MP opposition

  • Scotland also doesn’t have tuition fees currently

PARA 3 - created peace/unity

• Good Friday Agreement 1998 which brought an end to the troubles and established a power sharing gov between the DUP and Sinn Fein

• both unionists and nationalists cooperate, reducing division between them, appeasing those who want NI independence, ensuring the UK is united 

  • number of independence related deaths from 3000+ to less than 150

• Scotland becoming the most powerful devolved nation has reduced desire for independence 

  • people now less likely to vote for SNP due to lack of need for a party to push Scottish independence. this is reflective in their performance in 2024 GE

PARA 3 COUNTER - tension between Westminster and devolved govs 

• Westminster often breaking Sewel convention

• EU Withdrawal Act 2018 which Scotland didnt consent to and was strongly against

• also seen w Windsor framework

  • unionist parties viewed it as undermining Northern Ireland's constitutional place within the UK

  • led to a gridlok of Northern Ireland's power-sharing government

• increased tension as autonomy of devolved govs not being fully upheld w this acting as a constant reminder that Westminster’s authority is ultimate 

evaluate the view that the advantages of globalisation outweigh the disadvantages (22/30)