Notes on Devolution and Brexit Lecture

Lecture 7: Devolution and Brexit

Devolution in the U.K.

  • Historical Context:
    • UK is a historically centralized state.
    • Government in London had strong control over England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
    • Political tensions surrounding this centralization became more pronounced.
  • Key Figures:
    • Margaret Thatcher: Advocated for strong national government.
    • Labour Governments (1970s): Were affected by strong Labour support in Scotland.
    • Tony Blair: Promoted devolution, increasing regional governance for the UK countries.

Devolutionary Process

  • Referendums:
    • Scotland and Wales held successful referendums to create regional parliaments.
  • Government of Scotland and Wales Act (1998):
    • Passed under the Blair government, granting legislative and tax-raising powers.

Scottish Parliament

  • Legislative Limitations:
    • Scottish Parliament does not legislate on reserved matters (e.g., defense, immigration).
  • Areas of Authority:
    • Can legislate on housing, tourism, criminal justice, police, etc.
  • Elections:
    • Held every 4 years; First Minister is appointed to lead.

Scottish Independence Referendum

  • 2011 Elections:
    • Scottish Nationalist Party (SNP) gains majority; negotiates referendum with PM David Cameron.
    • Requirement for the referendum to be "free, fair, and decisive" stated.
  • 2014 Result:
    • 44.7% voted Yes, 55.3% No (84.5% turnout).
    • Brexit crisis renewed discussions of Scottish Independence; Boris Johnson refused a second referendum request.

Welsh Parliament

  • Power Dynamics:
    • Less powerful than the Scottish Parliament, but gained strengthened powers in 2011.
    • No need for British Parliament consent on 20 devolved policy areas (e.g., fishing, environmental policy).

Northern Irish Parliament

  • Formation:
    • Established in 1921 by the Government of Ireland Act.
    • Semi-autonomous government (Stormont) initially favored Protestant community.
    • Dominated by the Unionist Party (Protestant)
    • Catholic population (historically marginalized) seeks connection with Ireland.

Tensions in Northern Ireland

  • Discrimination:
    • Catholics faced significant discrimination in housing and jobs.
    • Education focused on Irish history and Gaelic language led to cultural separation.
  • Creation of the IRA:
    • Resulted from Catholic community’s frustrations; a paramilitary response to discrimination.

The Troubles (1960s-1998)

  • Background:
    • Initiated by Prime Minister O’Neil’s efforts to improve relations with the Republic of Ireland.
    • Led to outcry from Protestants; raised aspirations among Catholics.
  • Key Events:
    • Clash between civil rights demonstrators and police; soldiers deployed by the UK in 1969.
    • Bloody Sunday (1972): 28 unarmed activists killed, prompting UK government to suspend Stormont.

Good Friday Agreement (April 10, 1998)

  • Established a Northern Irish Parliament.
  • Introduced a power-sharing agreement between different political factions (DUP, Sinn Féin).
  • Sinn Féin renounced violence in 2005, leading to a more peaceful political landscape.

Changing Northern Ireland

  • Demographic Shift:
    • Younger generations show a secular trend, diminishing the historical religious divide.
    • Sinn Féin often wins a majority, indicating a change in political power dynamics.
  • Future Prospects:
    • Potential referendum on Irish reunification within a decade, contrasts with Westminster's views.

Brexit Context

  • Historical Reluctance:
    • UK was hesitant in its commitment to the EU.
    • Thatcher’s opposition to deeper European ties highlighted underlying tensions.
  • Cameron’s Referendum Call:
    • Referendum initiated to settle the issue definitively.
    • Brexit campaign mirrored US divisions seen in 2016 election; urban vs. rural voting patterns.

2016 Brexit Referendum Results

  • Final Results:
    • 51.9% voted leave, and 48.1% voted remain; the outcome was unexpected.
    • Detailed breakdown by regions (e.g., strong remain in London and Scotland).

Post-Referendum Dynamics

  • Political Fallout:
    • Cameron resigns, leading to Theresa May’s leadership.
    • UK political parties expose deep divisions (soft vs. hard Brexit).

Ongoing Brexit Challenges

  • Negotiation Hurdles:
    • Challenges include immigration policies, Northern Irish backstop, and the UK's EU divorce bill.
    • Tensions surrounding desire for economic ties coupled with immigration restrictions.

Parliamentary Developments (2017-2019)

  • Meaningful Votes:
    • May’s proposals repeatedly challenged and ultimately rejected.
  • Theresa May Resigns (July 2019):
    • Her inability to secure agreement on Brexit led to Boris Johnson's rise to leadership.

Boris Johnson's Leadership

  • Hard Brexit Stance:
    • Emphasized detachment from the EU and prepared for a potential no-deal scenario.
    • Johnson's period marked by political turbulence leading to a December 2019 election.

2019 General Election Outcomes

  • Results:
    • Conservative landslide victory; Johnson gained a mandate for Brexit.
    • Official UK departure from EU on January 30, 2020.

Brexit Deal Highlights

  • Key Features:
    • Northern Ireland Protocol allows free movement of goods; customs border established.
    • Zero tariffs between UK and EU, with managed divergence from EU regulations.
    • Rights process augmented for 3.3 million EU nationals residing in the UK.

Conclusion and Implications

  • Political Landscape:
    • Devolution dynamics in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland remain pivotal in UK politics.
    • Brexit underpins future discussions around reunification and national identity.