A pact between scoundrels in the nation that sold their fellow citizens for English gold, wrote the great Scottish poet Robert Burns. The scoundrels he is speaking of are those noblemen who gave way to the English occupants because of bribery. Despite protests from the public, Scotland was united with England in 1707.
However, since the uniting of Scotland with England also had very positive aspects - for example, in the form of economic growth - the Scots initially accepted their fate. But later, when oil was found off the Scottish coast and Margaret Thatcher implemented her social policies that went against the grain of Scottish community spirit - the calls for more sovereignty became ever louder.
Since the late 1970s, devolution for Scotland and Wales has been under discussion. As promised in the Labour Party’s manifesto, referendums over the introduction of a certain level of self-government were held on September 11, 1997. The Scottish referendum produced a strong majority for a separate parliament (74%) with limited tax-raising powers (63% majority) on a turnout of over 60%. Scotland was expected to have a parliament within 12 months. In Wales, the result was a narrow majority, on a low poll, for a Welsh parliament. Unlike the House of Commons, the regional parliaments are to be elected by proportional representation
Table of Contents
1.) HANDOUT: DEVOLUTION IN SCOTLAND
Introduction
The Scottish Parliament
2.) A TIMELINE
3.) TRANSPARENCIES:
People's opinions on Devolution
Is devolution (in Scotland and Wales) to be regretted? (UK specific)
4.) NOTES FOR THE ORAL PRESENTATION:
Introduction
5.) The Timelines
A) An Ancient Timeline
B) Recent implementation of Scotland's search for self-governance
Objectives & Topics
This document provides a comprehensive overview of the devolution process in Scotland, exploring its historical roots, political development, and the establishment of the Scottish Parliament. It aims to clarify the jurisdictional balance between the Scottish Parliament and the UK Parliament, while examining public discourse surrounding self-governance.
- Historical timeline of Scottish independence and union with England.
- Political framework and operational procedures of the Scottish Parliament.
- Arguments for and against devolution regarding economic and democratic impacts.
- Priorities of the Scottish government in areas like education, health, and enterprise.
Excerpt from the Book
The Scottish Parliament
On 1 July, 1999 the Scottish Parliament took control of Scotland's domestic affairs - including health, education, local government, economic development, transport, the environment, rural affairs and law and order. The Parliament now has a historic responsibility to meet the domestic aspirations of the people of Scotland.
Many Premiers have promised the Scots more rights - Tony Blair is the first who has kept his promise. In 1999, the Scots have elected their own Parliament. And this Parliament, sitting in Edinburgh, also has many powers. The most important is the right to levy a separate income tax and law-making powers in areas that do not affect the interests of the UK as a whole. There are 129 representatives in the Parliament elected under an additional member system which ensures a strong degree of proportionality. 73 of those 129 Members are directly elected via a proportional system using eight electoral regions that coincide with the eight pre-1999 European Parliament seats and 56 are drawn from the existing European Parliament constituencies in Scotland. The single member constituencies are the same as the Westminster parliamentary constituencies except that 'Orkney & Shetland' has been split into 'Orkney Islands' and 'Shetland Islands'. The political party with the most MSPs makes the government.
Summary of Chapters
1.) HANDOUT: DEVOLUTION IN SCOTLAND: This chapter provides an introduction to the concept of devolution and outlines the structure and powers of the newly formed Scottish Parliament.
2.) A TIMELINE: This section presents a chronological record of Scotland’s history from ancient times through the establishment of the modern Scottish Parliament.
3.) TRANSPARENCIES: This chapter balances the debate surrounding devolution by presenting the primary arguments for and against the political separation of powers.
4.) NOTES FOR THE ORAL PRESENTATION: This section offers supplementary context, including cultural references and key historical milestones, to aid in presenting the topic.
5.) The Timelines: This final chapter provides a detailed, granular timeline divided into ancient developments and the modern implementation of self-governance.
Keywords
Devolution, Scotland, Scottish Parliament, UK Government, Self-governance, Westminster, Sovereignty, Political History, Referendum, Scottish Executive, Constitutional Law, Scotland Act 1998, Scottish Nationalism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this work?
The work focuses on the political and historical journey of Scotland toward achieving a devolved parliament and self-governance within the United Kingdom.
What are the central themes discussed?
The key themes include constitutional reform, the historical evolution of Scottish independence movements, administrative powers of the Scottish Parliament, and the socio-economic implications of devolution.
What is the main goal or research question?
The goal is to analyze how Scotland achieved legislative autonomy and to evaluate the current power structures that define the relationship between the Scottish Parliament and Westminster.
Which scientific methods are utilized?
The document employs historical analysis, political documentation, and comparative debate methodology to present a balanced view of the devolution process.
What does the main body of the text cover?
The main body covers the 1999 establishment of the Scottish Parliament, the division of powers, detailed chronologies, and an analysis of arguments for and against devolution.
Which keywords characterize the work?
Primary keywords include Devolution, Scotland, Scottish Parliament, Sovereignty, Constitutional Law, and Self-governance.
What role does the "Sewel Convention" play?
The Sewel Convention is a critical political agreement ensuring that the UK Parliament in Westminster generally only legislates on devolved matters with the prior consent of the Scottish Parliament.
Why was the 1997 referendum considered significant?
It was a landmark event where a strong majority of the Scottish electorate voted in favor of a separate parliament, providing the democratic mandate required for the Scotland Act 1998.
- Quote paper
- Sabine Klimpe (Author), 2002, Devolution in Scotland: Handout, Transparency, Script, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/13531
