Evaluate the view that devolution has been good for Wales and Scotland but not for England and Northern Ireland - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 2 - 2021 - Paper 2

Devolution has provided both Scotland and Wales with additional powers that have generally resulted in positive outcomes for these regions. For example, the establishment of the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Assembly has allowed these regions to implement policies that reflect their specific needs and preferences. In contrast, England has not experienced a similar level of devolution, leaving local governance largely centralized, which has led to feelings of disenfranchisement among English voters.

Additionally, pre-2017, the devolution in Wales and Scotland allowed these regions to pursue distinctive legislative agendas, such as education and health policies tailored to local circumstances. In Scotland, this has been particularly evident with health reforms and educational strategies distinct from those in England.

On the other hand, the situation in Northern Ireland complicates the evaluation. The suspension of the Stormont Assembly for long periods and the political instability stemming from issues related to Brexit demonstrate that devolution has not always been beneficial. The lack of a functioning government can hinder effective governance and policy implementation.

Moreover, the Scottish Nationalist Party's push for independence indicates that while devolution has empowered regions, it has also fostered dissatisfaction that may lead to further fragmentation, suggesting that not all with devolution has been positive.

In summary, while devolution has generally benefited Wales and Scotland by granting them more control over local affairs, the experiences of England and Northern Ireland highlight significant drawbacks, calling into question the uniformity of devolution's benefits across the UK.