Chapter 13

Chapter Summary

The beginning of this chapter looked at Todd’s three models of devolution. Of those models the current type of devolution in Britain appears to be moving towards Todd’s ‘renewal of imperial legacies’ model. As we have noted in this chapter, there has been a constant transfer of powers and policy areas to the devolved nations yet this has now mainly stopped and we are in a period of consolidation. Giving the devolved institutions their own tax raising powers has not given them any more effective financial independence than when they started. Increased tax raising from the devolved institutions only represents a small percentage of their expenditure and they still remain predominantly reliant of the block grants provided by Westminster. The devolved institutions whether by accident or design remain heavily reliant for their continued existence on Westminster and Whitehall and lack the independence to go their own way.

There is no doubt that those living in areas of devolution have become much more aware of the national differences within the UK. From student finance, voting, to law and order and taxation it can now make a substantial difference where people live to their lives. Policies are being tailored to suit both regional needs and demands. Yet at the same time there is no clear plan as to how this links up politically or constitutionally across the UK. We have ended up with a quasi-federal system of government within a unitary state. The desire of the current Labour government for national unity and consistency at the same time pulls not only against nationalist interests but often again nationalist interests within its own par-ty. The extent to which the government deals with its internal tensions over the second half of the 2020s will probably be as important if not more important than how the previous government has had to deal with the external pressures to UK unity.

Learning Objectives

• To define devolution and note the various devolutionary models.
• To explain the background and role of nationalism and the subsequent drive towards political devolution and independence within the UK.
• To cover the story of how devolution evolved across the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland.
• To assess some of the key events and developments in devolutionary politics in the last half century of devolution.
• To explore some of the major impacts on the politics of the UK from the advent of devolution.

Quizzes

Test your knowledge with the Chapter 13 quizzes!

Quiz

Question 1

What is devolution in the UK?

The complete transfer of sovereignty to the devolved nations

The delegation of powers from Westminster to regional governments

The process of granting independence to UK nations

A form of federalism within the UK

The abolition of centralised government in the UK

None

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a category of devolution

Administrative

Executive

Legislative

Judicial

Fiscal

None

Question 3

What major event in 2020 highlighted the difference in devolved powers between UK nations?

The COVID-19 pandemic

Brexit negotiations

The Scottish independence referendum

The resignation of PM Liz Truss

The introduction of English Votes for English Laws

None

Question 4

Which UK nation held an independence referendum in 2014?

Wales

Northern Ireland

Scotland

England

Cornwall

None

Question 5

The ‘state realism’ model of devolution suggests:

Devolution is a temporary political experiment

Devolution leads to full independence for devolved nations

European integration strengthens devolved governments

Devolution is equivalent to federalism

The UK state adapts its power while retaining ultimate control

None

Question 6

What agreement established the current devolution framework in northern Ireland?

The St Andrews Agreement

The Good Friday Agreement

The Anglo-Irish Treaty

The Barnett Formula Agreement

The Dublin Act

None

Question 7

What was the primary reason the DUP withdrew from the Northern Irish government in 2022?

A protest against the Brexit Northern Ireland Protocol

A disagreement over environmental policies

A corruption scandal involving party leaders

A referendum on irish unification

The introduction of proportional representation

None

Question 8

The Barnett Formula, introduced in 1979, determines funding allocations for devolved government based on

Question 9

The Agreement of 1998 led to the established Northern Ireland Assembly and a power-sharing agreement.

Question 10

The 2024 general election saw the Scottish National Party lose seats, with the Party regaining dominance in Scottish Westminster representation.

Time’s up

Discussion Questions

1.  With the Scottish independence movement, changes in Northern Ireland’s governance, and further autonomy for Wales, should the UK move toward a fully federal system, or is the current devolution model sufficient?
2. How have nationalist movements in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland influenced the devolution process? To what extent do these movements threaten or strengthen the unity of the UK?

Weblinks

Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) – The UK government department responsible for local government, devolution, and regional policy. (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-levelling-up-housing-and-communities)

Greater London Authority and Mayor of London – The official site for London’s regional governance and mayoral activities. (www.london.gov.uk/who-runs-london/authority)

Northern Ireland Assembly – The legislative body for Northern Ireland, responsible for devolved matters. (www.niassembly.gov.uk)

Scottish Parliament – The official site of the Scottish Parliament, which governs devolved matters in Scotland. (www.scottish.parliament.uk)

Senedd/Welsh Parliament – The devolved legislature for Wales, responsible for Welsh governance. (www.senedd.cymru)

Audit Scotland – A public body ensuring accountability and transparency in Scottish public finances. (www.audit-scotland.gov.uk)

Scottish Government – The official site of the Scottish Government, which manages devolved areas like health and education. (http://home.scotland.gov.uk/home)

Institute for Welsh Affairs (IWA) – A think tank focused on policy research and debate in Wales. (www.iwa.org.uk)

National Library of Wales – A resource offering historical information on Welsh politics. (www.llgc.org.uk/ymgyrchu/map-e.htm)

Flashcards

Refresh your knowledge of key terms with this chapter’s flashcards.

Timeline

Timeline – Union and Devolution

Devolution Events