Introduction to devolution

In the 1970s what percentage of people voted against devolution to Wales?

79%

What percentage of Scotland voted for devolution in 1997?

74%

What percentage of Wales voted for devolution?

50.3%

Who is the First Minister of Wales?

Vaughan Gething

Who is First Minister of Northern Ireland?

Michelle O'Neill

One difference in prescription prices between England and Wales:

England: Around £10

Wales: Free

Difference in education fees in England and Scotland:

Free in Scotland

Have to pay in rest of UK

Example of devolved regions challenging Westminster:

2022: Scottish government wanted to hold another independence referendum without Westminster's permission. Supreme Court ruled that they would need Westminster's permission.

What was the per-person spending in England 2018/2019?

£9296

Per person spending in Scotland 2018/2019:

£11,247

Per-person spending in Northern Ireland 2018/2019:

£11,590

What is asymmetrical devolution?

Imbalance of services

What is the 'West Lothian' Question?

Devolved MPs are able to vote on legislation that does not affect their devolved region as it only affects England.

What policy was Tony Blair able to pass due to Scottish Labour MPs?

Increasing university tuition fees from 1,000 to 3,000

What did David Cameron introduce to solve the West Lothian Question?

EVEL: English Votes for English Laws.

What did EVEL change?

Added a grand committee stage whereby English MPs could debate and vote down a Bill that would only affect England.