8.3.2 Scottish Parliament and Government.

Scottish Parliament and Government

Background and Rationale for Devolution

Devolution in Scotland was a response to distinct cultural, historical, and political differences between Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom. Scotland had a long history of distinct legal, educational, and religious institutions, which led to a strong sense of national identity. The Labour Party, under Tony Blair, committed to devolving powers to Scotland as part of a broader effort to modernize the UK constitution and bring decision-making closer to the people.

The 1997 Devolution Referendum

The 1997 general election saw the Labour Party promise referendums on devolution for Scotland and Wales. Scotland, with its strong historical claim to autonomy dating back to its union with England in 1707, overwhelmingly supported the idea.

Referendum Results

• Yes: 74.3%
• No: 25.7%
• Turnout: 60.1% This strong mandate led to the creation of the Scottish Parliament and Scottish Government, marking a significant shift in the UK's constitutional arrangement.

Scotland Act 1998

The Scotland Act 1998 was the legislation that established the Scottish Parliament and Executive (now known as the Scottish Government). It devolved significant powers from Westminster to Scotland, allowing it to make decisions on various domestic issues.

Key Devolved Powers

• Local Government: Control over local councils and services.
• Housing: Powers over housing policy and regulation.
• Environment: Authority on environmental protection and policies.
• Law and Order: Responsibility for the Scottish legal system, including police and justice.
• Education: Control over the education system, including schools and universities.
• Health: Authority over the National Health Service (NHS) in Scotland.
• Income Tax: Power to vary income tax by up to 3p in the pound. These powers allowed Scotland to develop a distinct approach to governance, reflecting its unique needs and priorities.

Scotland Act 2016

In response to the 2014 independence referendum and ongoing demands for more autonomy, the Scotland Act 2016 further enhanced the powers of the Scottish Parliament.

New Powers

• Income Tax: Power to vary income tax by up to 10p in the pound.
• VAT: Retention of 50% of the VAT revenue generated in Scotland.
• Abortion Laws: Authority over abortion legislation.
• Air Passenger Duty: Control over air passenger duty rates.
• Speed Limits: Authority to set speed limits on Scottish roads. The Act also made the Scottish Parliament a permanent feature of the UK constitution, which can only be abolished by a referendum.

Structure of Scottish Government and Parliament

Scottish Parliament

• Unicameral Legislature: The Scottish Parliament consists of 129 Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs).
• Elections: MSPs are elected using the Additional Member System (AMS), which combines first-past-the-post and proportional representation.
• Committees: The Parliament has several committees that scrutinize legislation, policy, and government actions.
• Powers: The Parliament has legislative power over devolved matters, with reserved matters remaining under Westminster's control.

Scottish Government

• First Minister: The head of the Scottish Government, appointed by the Parliament.
• Cabinet: Comprises ministers responsible for various portfolios such as health, education, and justice.
• Civil Service: Supports the Government in implementing policies and delivering public services.

Policies Implemented by the Scottish Government

• Free Higher Education: Scotland abolished tuition fees for higher education, ensuring that students do not pay fees for university education.
• Healthcare: Scotland has pursued distinct health policies, such as free prescriptions and more integrated health and social care services.
• Social Policies: Scotland has implemented progressive social policies, including more generous social security benefits and a focus on tackling poverty and inequality.
• Environmental Policies: The Scottish Government has been at the forefront of environmental initiatives, including ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy.

Strengths of Devolution in Scotland

1. Cultural Representation: Devolution allows Scotland to preserve and promote its distinct national identity.
2. Tailored Policies: The Scottish Parliament can enact legislation that directly responds to the needs and preferences of the Scottish people, such as free higher education.
3. Increased Political Engagement: Devolution has increased political engagement in Scotland, with higher voter turnout in Scottish Parliament elections compared to UK general elections.
4. Conflict Resolution: Devolution has provided a political framework for managing demands for autonomy and reducing tensions between Scotland and the rest of the UK.

Weaknesses of Devolution in Scotland

1. Asymmetrical Devolution: Different levels of devolution across the UK can lead to perceptions of unfairness and inequality, particularly in England, which lacks its own parliament.
2. Limited Financial Powers: While Scotland has some control over taxation, its financial autonomy is still limited, particularly in areas like borrowing and spending.
3. Political Tensions: Devolution has not entirely resolved the issue of Scottish independence, as evidenced by the 2014 referendum and ongoing debates about Scotland's future in the UK.
4. Economic Challenges: Devolved governments may struggle to manage economic challenges without full control over fiscal and monetary policy.

The Rise and Fall of the SNP

Rise of the SNP

The Scottish National Party (SNP) has been the dominant force in Scottish politics since the early 2000s. It replaced Labour as the leading party in the Scottish Parliament and successfully pushed for a referendum on Scottish independence in 2014.

• 2014 Independence Referendum: The SNP-led campaign for independence was defeated, with 55.3% voting to remain in the UK.
• Continued Dominance: Despite the referendum result, the SNP has remained the dominant party in Scottish politics, winning consecutive elections and pushing for further devolution.

Fall of the SNP

In recent years, the SNP's dominance has been challenged by internal divisions, the challenges of governing, and a decline in support for independence.

• 2024 General Election: The SNP's support declined, winning only 9 seats in the UK Parliament, reflecting a reduced appetite for independence among the electorate.

Why Devolution was Needed

Distinct Cultural Identity

Scotland's distinct cultural, legal, and educational systems set it apart from the rest of the UK. Devolution was seen as necessary to allow Scotland to govern itself in a way that reflects its unique identity and needs.

Political Autonomy

There was a growing desire for political autonomy in Scotland, driven by dissatisfaction with policies imposed by the UK government that did not reflect Scottish priorities. Devolution was intended to address this by allowing Scotland to make decisions on domestic matters.

Modernization of the UK Constitution

Devolution was part of a broader effort to modernize the UK constitution, making it more flexible and responsive to the diverse needs of its constituent nations. By devolving powers, the UK government aimed to strengthen the union by giving Scotland more control over its affairs.