What are the advantages and disadvantages of the devolution process in Scotland and Wales?

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Kate Manson

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the devolution process in Scotland and Wales?

Devolution as described by Bogdanor is the delegation of power to local or regional administration, so power is dispersed from a superior to an inferior political authority, or to be more precise it consists of a sub-ordinate elected body on a geographical basis of functions at present exercised by Parliament. 

It is possible to trace the origins of the move towards greater self- government in Scotland and Wales as far back as the nineteenth century. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland were promised a devolved assembly by the labour Party in the 1997 elections. Referendums were held in 1997, soon after the general election. In the event just over 60% of Scots voted which was just enough to give the vote authority. However in Wales voter turnout was just over 50% and this had the effect of reducing the authority of the referendum. However both countries came out with a majority in favour of devolution and the Scotland and Wales Acts were passed in 1998.

        There have been many advantages to devolution. In Scotland the nature of politics has changed positively since the introduction of devolution. It has brought government closer to the people of Scotland in that Scots feel more engaged with the political process, whereas before decisions were made for them in Westminster hundreds of miles away. Devolution was intended to restore legitimacy to a system of government which had appeared unable to reflect Scottish preferences since 1979. Since the introduction of devolution there has been much evidence to suggest that Scots are in support of the changes that have occurred. In 2003, six years after the Scotland Act, support for devolution is still in the majority, remaining the most popular constitutional option at around 55%. In the 1997 referendum 74.3% voted in favour of devolution, showing a clear majority.

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Demand for self-government had grown significantly in the run up to the passing of the devolution acts. In Scotland especially there was a clear sense of patriotism and the Scottish people believe that devolution will maintain this. However some people have argued that the support for devolution in Scotland and Wales has been over exaggerated, especially in Wales where votes in favour of devolution held only a very slim majority. Sub national governments have reflected the different regions. Devolution has meant that both Scotland and Wales have a clearer sense of their country.

For Labour and the Liberal Democrats ...

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