2.2 Devolution in Abstract

Nationalism and Devolution (MacCormick)

national identity is key to individual wellbeing and community. Flourishing democracies require that the structure of the state maps onto a national group.

Subsidiarity and Devolution (Barber)

those affected by public decision-making are entitled to take part in its making.

Impact of Devolution (Bogdanor)

a very radical reform, transforming Britain from a unitary to a quasi-federal state. It does not threaten the continued existence of the UK though.

Purpose of Devolution (Bogdanor)

• The purpose of devolution in Scotland and Wales was to contain the forces of nationalism

• In Northern Ireland the purpose was to provide a guaranteed role in government for both nationalist and republican parties.

Assymetrical Devolution (Bogdanor)

Asymmetrical devolution breaches the principle of equal rights for all citizens. However in itself it is not enough to threaten the breakup of the United Kingdom.

Devolution and the Welfare State (Bogdanor)

• Devolution threatens the principle that the benefits that the individual derives from the state should depend on need, not geography.

• Devolution allows devolved regions to set their policy priorities, but the Welfare State was founded upon the idea that central government is best placed to balance the competing requirements of the different regions.

According to Bogadnor, how do MPs from different nations have different roles?

Scottish and NI MPs no longer have to deal with constituency issues, because these are mainly in the hands of the devolved regions. English MPs, by contrast, retain all their constituency responsibilities.

Nairn and the Impact of Devolution

Britain has already broken up in spirit and the fact will soon follow