Evaluate The View That Devolution Reforms Haven’t Gone Far Enough. (30)

AGREE 1
Devolution is asymmetric, England lacks the level of democratic representation that Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have. An English parliament would complete devolution

Allow policy preferences of English to be represented as has been the case in scotland

free tuition fees and higher income tax.

Also would solve the west Lothian question – Scot MPs can vote on English issues but no vice versa.

DISAGREE 1

An English parliament would be too powerful

Also can be argued that UK parliament already represents English issues effectively.

Around 85% of the UK’s population is in England.

Brexit opposed by NI and Scot yet was pursued strongly by UK parlimanet in order to represent the majority of England which supported it.

AGREE 2

Should be more regional devolution in England as this would deliver greater representation of local interests and would bring decision making closer to the people.

Greater Manchester city region has been effective in gaining significant administrative control, including over healthcare

DISAGREE 2

Little public support for a regional layer of government in England

2012 referendum on whether Birmingham should have an elected mayor 58% voted no on a 28% turnout.

AGREE 3

Scotland, NI and Wales should have further powers as this would increase their ability to reflect local needs.

Wales does not have control over its policing.

DISAGREE 3

Devolved bodies have failed to prove their effectiveness

Scottish Education has been drastically changed by the SNP, but Scotland has since fallen behind England in the PISA rankings.

Northern Irish Parliament frequently suspended due to tensions and lack of compromise between Sinn Fein and the DUP.