Devolution

• Devolution


  Transfer of powers to subordinate assemblies from the central government. Powers are said to be devolved as central government still retains sovereignty
• Arguments for Devolution

  • Ministers in Westminster are unlikely to have a good understand of local needs and issues
  • Gave Scotland more powers meaning they felt less need to continue pushing for independence
  • Helped create peace in Ireland
  • Allows different policies to develop in different parties of UK and for innovation to occur
• Arguments against Devolution

  • Extra costs
  • Conflicts can occur between devolved bodies and UK gov
  • Arguments developed over Barnett formula
  • West Lothian Question
  • Westminster can easily be seen as predominately English parliament and not interest in Scottish or Welsh problems leading to a push for independence