Governence of Scotland Essay (independence)

DEVOLUTION SECTION

DEVOLUTION SECTION

What is the current arrangement in Scotland?

Devolution is the current arrangement, and has been since the Scottish parliament was established in 1999.

What happened to the New labour movement and what did parliament ask the population?

In 1997, New Labour achieved a landslide victory, securing 56 of Scotland's 74 seats. As promised, they held a referendum on September 11th, asking voters if they supported the establishment of a Scottish Parliament with tax-varying powers.

What did the Scotland Act (1998) establish?

The 1998 Scotland Act established the Scottish Parliament, defining its framework, including MSP elections and delegated powers.

What powers did the Act devolve?

The Act devolved certain powers to the Scottish Parliament, including health, education, local government, justice, agriculture, the environment, tourism, and transport, while reserving powers for the Westminster government.

Devolution allows for what kind of solutions?

One of the arguments in favour of devolution is that these devolved areas provide Scottish solutions to Scottish problems.

What has parliament enacted legally?

Supporters of devolution argue it has enabled tailored solutions. Since its establishment in 1999, the Scottish Parliament has enacted significant laws, including abolishing tuition fees, banning smoking in public places, legalizing same-sex marriage, and raising the age of criminal responsibility to 12.

Additional measures include requiring seatbelts on school buses, ensuring gender parity on public boards, and ending the right to buy council homes.

How did the Scotland Act effect the drink drive limit?

It lowered the drink drive limit to 22 micrograms per 100 ml of breath.

What do some believe the end goal of Scottish Devolution should be?

Some argue that devolution is an ongoing process rather than a singular occurence, with many believing its ultimate goal should be Scotland's independence from the UK.

How much tax and spending is Scotland responsible for?

According to the UK Government, the Scottish Parliament is responsible for around 40% of Scotland's taxes, and around 60% of Scottish public spending.

What did John Swinney believe independence could do?

First Minister John Swinney stated that independence could provide a "solution to the day-to-day challenges faced by Scotland." (as an argument to devolution)

DEVO-MAX SECTION

DEVO-MAX SECTION

What is Devo-Max? How does it work?

‘Devo max' would grant Scotland extensive control over public policy. While there is no single proposal for federalism, its core principle is decentralisation. Under a federal system, the UK's countries (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales) could manage significant policy areas, leaving a London-based national government to handle broader issues like national defence. Although federalism would be novel for the UK, it is a common governance model globally.

What is the 10th Amendment, and how is it similar to Devo-Max (A.K.A Fudalism)

For instance, The Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution stipulates that powers not granted to the federal government are reserved for state governments. Similarly, Germany's Länder governments enable individual regions to manage most aspects of the public agenda on a day-to-day basis.

What is home rule and how does it relate to fudelism?

This type of control over daily policies is commonly referred to as home rule, as decisions impacting individuals are made by representatives who are closer to the community.

What point of evidence to those supporting dexo-max typically point towards?

Federalism supporters frequently point to public opinion as a justification for implementing federalism. Polling has consistently shown that clear majorities of Scottish voters favour further federal measures.

What do detractors of dexo-max typically point towards?

Opponents of federalism highlight polls showing limited support for the concept.

They also argue it could lead to the breakup of the UK, asserting that the current devolution system provides Scotland with the "best of both worlds"—control over devolved matters while benefiting from the UK's economic and political stability.

What would independence grant Scotland control over?

Scottish Government would have full control over all areas of public policy. At present, the UK Government retains authority over reserved matters and can override Scottish Government decisions making in certain policy areas.

Why do some campaigners argue for independence?

Some campaigners cite the previous Conservative government as a key reason for independence

As an example, The SNP highlighted how Scotland hasn’t voted conservative since 1955 and Liz Truss became Prime Minister without Scottish Mandate and believe that indepdence would allow for greater voter expression for positions of power

What recent election proves that this disconnect is not always present?

The 2024 General Elections weakens the idea that this disconnect is always present, thereby supporting the pro-union crowd. The 2024 UK General Election resulted in a Labour landslide, with the Labour party winning 37 of Scotland’s seats.

What does the SNP’s recent decline indicate (cite stats)

The SNP, Scotland's largest pro-independence party, lost 39 seats, securing 9 out of 57. Opponents of independence highlight declining support for a second referendum (the first held on September 18, 2014) and advocate for the Scottish Government to prioritize using its devolved powers to address Scotland's needs.

What do supporters of indepdence believe devolution proves

They believe that devolution demonstrates Scotland's ability to govern its own affairs.

What do indepence supporters argue that devolution hinders?

They argue it constrains the ambitions of the Scottish Government and Parliament, as the Scotland Acts of 1998, 2012, and 2016 designate specific areas as devolved, limiting their control to these policy domains.

What did John Swinney state about independence? and how were indepdence promises broken?

Shortly after becoming First Minister, John Swinney stated that independence would be essential for Scotland to become "a fairer, more equal country." Proponents of independence also argue that promises, such as Scotland remaining in the EU, were broken, with Scotland being "dragged out of the European Union," as pushed by the SNP.

What do unionists argue about the current state of public services?

Supporters of Scotland remaining in the UK argue that public services have deteriorated in recent years, suggesting that politicians should prioritize utilizing existing devolved powers rather than pursuing independence.

How did David Cameron describe the current Scottish Governance arrangement?

The phrase "best of both worlds," associated with Scotland's position within the UK, gained prominence in a February 2013 speech by then-Prime Minister David Cameron. He stated that Scotland's governance within the UK provides a system offering the "best of both worlds."

What did David believe that devolution offered Scotland power over? and how was that used by the voting population

Ahead of the 2014 independence referendum, David Cameron argued that devolution provided Scotland with control over key public policy areas while benefiting from the UK's economic stability. The phrase "best of both worlds" became widely used by advocates of a 'No' vote.

Why is Devo-Max seen as an ideal solution by some?

Devo-max is seen as an ideal solution for Scottish governance, providing many advantages of full independence while avoiding uncertainties like currency guarantees and international trade challenges.