Who rules //
Devolution - Can You Feel the Power?
If you live in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales, the House of Commons in London might feel far away. Yet your MPs are there making decisions that affect your life and the future of your country. Since England is the most–populated country in the UK, this means that most MPs represent English constituencies. So, when votes are taken over certain decisions, English interests will dominate those of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.
Unfair
For many years the Scottish and Welsh populations felt this was unfair and called for devolution. They wanted some of the power held by Westminster to be shifted to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland so that those nations could deal more effectively with their own issues.
The people decided
Referendums were held in Scotland and Wales in 1997 to see if people wanted to have their own separate governments. The Scots and Welsh voted in favour. This doesn't mean that the UK government has no power or authority in those countries. Instead the Scottish Parliament and National Assembly for Wales have been given powers to make decisions about important matters that specifically affect them.
The Northern Ireland Assembly
Northern Ireland also has its own form of government called the Northern Ireland Assembly, which sits at Stormont. It was established as a result of the Belfast Agreement in 1998 and consists of 108 elected members (MLAs) – six from each of the 18 constituencies in Northern Ireland that are represented in Westminster.
The Northern Ireland Assembly had law–making powers that were used successfully until complex political disagreements occurred between various parties. This led to its suspension in October 2002. As a result, power is currently held by Westminster.
The National Assembly for Wales
The National Assembly for Wales had less support from Welsh people than the Scottish Parliament had in Scotland. Some people felt that Wales wasn't ready for its own government. However, others felt that Wales should have more say in its own affairs and a vote in favour of devolution was narrowly won.
The National Assembly is responsible for how it spends its money obtained from the UK government. However, it is unable to make laws and set taxes as it isn't a parliament. The National Assembly is led by the First Minister and members of the National Assembly are called Assembly Members (AMs).
How does the National Assembly
for Wales work?
Although it cannot actually make laws, the National Assembly is responsible for running all the important services and facilities in Wales. These include health, agriculture, transport and roads, education, housing and the environment. The country is divided into five electoral regions and there are 60 AMs representing the people of these regions.
The Scottish Parliament
In Scotland, people voted strongly in favour of a Scottish Parliament. The government in Scotland can makes its own laws – these do not apply to England, Wales or Northern Ireland – and can raise taxes. Representatives in the Scottish Parliament are called Members of Scottish Parliament (MSPs) and there are separate elections in Scotland for these representatives that take place every four years.
How does the Scottish Parliament work?
It's all pretty similar to the central government. Instead of a prime minister, Scotland has a First Minister who is chosen in the same way as the prime minister. The First Minister also chooses a group of ministers who lead certain departments such as transport and education. There are 129 MSPs in the Scottish Parliament. Laws are passed in a similar way to central government. There are three main stages of discussions and debate and an Act still has to go to the Queen for final approval.
Key Points
- Devolution involves the central government transferring some of its power to the national regions.
- National parliaments and assemblies make decisions about issues that are specific to their nation.
- Referendums were held in Scotland and Wales to see if people wanted their own governments.
- The Scottish Parliament holds tax–raising and law-making powers.
Reality Bytes: Smoking Ban
One of the most controversial laws introduced by the Scottish Parliament is a ban on smoking in enclosed public places such as pubs and restaurants. Such a law was passed because it was necessary to improve health in Scotland. The ban will take effect in spring 2006. Scotland wanted to lead the rest of the UK by taking such a bold decision. Some people oppose the law. They say jobs will be lost and that it infringes the liberty of individuals. Others think it's a big step for improving health.
Interesting Fact
- The US has a system whereby although there is a central government, each state (region) of America also has its own government. Every state has its own laws and taxes. This is called a federal system.
Big Question
- Do you think places such as Cornwall and Yorkshire should have their own governments?
