Getting you thinking

Here are two views on Scotland’s independence. Yes!

‘A “Yes” vote means we can choose to have power over our country’s future – and make Scotland a better place to live for all of us. Even our opponents agree that Scotland has what it takes to be a successful independent country. An independent Scotland would be among the 20 wealthiest nations in the world. But we need independence to make that wealth work better for the people who live here by creating more and better jobs.’

Devolution

No!

‘A “No” vote will mean a better future for my kids. They will have more job opportunities and better funding for schools and hospitals. Most people I have talked to think that devolution has been a success. The decisions made in Scotland are guaranteed because of our links with England. There is the power to raise money for our NHS, to help people back to work, and look after welfare. We can have progress in Scotland without the risks of separation.’

1 Set out the two arguments for and against Scottish independence.

2 What is the difference between devolution and independence?

3 Do you think Scotland should become independent?

The Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly were both set up following referenda in 1998. There had been lengthy campaigns for devolution in both countries. People wanted devolution because it shifted some power and authority from London to their own capital cities. The Welsh Assembly became the Welsh Parliament in 2020. The extent to which power is shared with Westminster varies according to the strength of the vote in the referendum in each country.

In the referendum on devolution, Scotland voted strongly for its Parliament. In 2014, another referendum was held. This time it asked whether Scotland should have independence. This was narrowly lost. As a result, the Scottish Parliament was given further powers.

The powers of the Scottish Parliament:

• agriculture, forestry and fisheries

• consumer advocacy and advice

• economic development

• education and training

• elections to the Scottish Parliament and local government

• environment

• freedom of information

• health and social services

• housing

• justice, policing and fire service

• local government

• sport and the arts

• tourism.

Some aspects of:

• taxation and benefits

• energy

• equality legislation

• transport.

The Welsh voted by a narrow margin of 0.6 per cent for devolution. The Welsh Parliament can spend the UK government’s allocation of money to Wales, but it cannot set taxes and has limited law-making powers. Its powers now cover:

• agriculture, fisheries, forestry and rural development

• culture

• economic development

• education and training

• environment

• health and health services

• highways and transport

• local government

• tourism

• Welsh language.

Northern Ireland’s Assembly was set up in 1998 but has often been suspended because of disagreement among Irish politicians. The current Assembly has powers to control education, health, local government, policing and justice.

Check your understanding

1 What is the purpose of a referendum? When is one held?

2 What is devolution?

4 What’s the difference in the amount of power held by the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Parliament?

5 Why do some Scottish people want independence?

6 Why do some people want to have regional governments?

Key terms

There are calls for regional assemblies in the rest of the UK too. Many people in regions such as Cornwall feel that their part of the country is distinctive and has different needs from the rest of the UK. People in the North East, however, rejected the idea when a referendum was held. The cost of running a regional assembly was one factor in their decision.

As calls for devolution have grown stronger in Cornwall, new powers have been granted to the county. It now has control over adult skills and regional investment. Health and social services have been brought together and it organises bus services.

Action

The Scottish referendum on independence resulted in the decision to stay in the UK. There was, however, still pressure for change. Check up on what is happening and how the powers of the Scottish Parliament are changing.

Another point of view

‘Devolution means that better decisions are made for a region because they are made locally.’

Assembly: a body of people elected to decide on some areas of spending in a region devolution: the transfer of power from central to regional government