Devolution in the UK (featuring Scotland)

The most famous example of devolution is in the United Kingdom, where Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland exercise authority over their own lands, but remain part of the U.K. The size of this issue has to do with the populations of Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales. Most of the people living in those areas don’t feel like they are being equally represented as they don’t identify as being British. Since the central government which is in England holds the power, they feel that decisions aren’t made in their best interest. In September 1997, there was a referendum in Scotland in which people voted for devolution. The UK Parliament then passed the Scotland Act 1998 which established the Scottish Parliament, which opened in 1999, and transferred some of the powers previously held at Westminster. However, these acts have not necessarily benefited Scotland as Scotland voted against Brexit but they were forced to comply as England voted for Brexit. There are many such examples of these states feeling underrepresented. Infact, The Scottish National Party (SNP), which has formed the Scottish government at Holyrood since 2007, continues to argue for full independence.

China is a good example of a country that is dealing with devolution problems because the chineses government believes that Taiwan is a part of China while Taiwan believes they are their own country. China recently has been allowing local governments more leeway in passing some local policies but the actual Communist is what has the final say. For most of the UK’s history Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland had little to no real say in what policies that the UK government in Westminster passed. With the passing of the Good Friday agreement Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland were able to form their own elected institutions. Along with having a say of policies being passed in their respective lands Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland also can affect the policies being passed in England which has led to questions on whether or not they should be able to do this.

There are multiple things that the main establishment in England can do to better devolve power to minimize internal conflicts. The SNP continues to fight for full independence of Scotland and due to Brexit, they want more devolved power. The UK government in Westminster remains responsible for policy for defence and national security, foreign policy, immigration, citizenship and tax — though Scotland has its own powers to raise and lower income tax. Westminster can allow Scotland to have their own immigration system which can help Scotland feel more Scottish in the sense that they can make immigration harder if they feel it necessary. Northern Ireland’s government was dissolved for three years after relations broke down between the governing parties — the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and Sinn Féin — in January 2017. But in January 2020, the two parties re-entered the devolved government after agreeing to work together again, alongside three smaller parties — the Ulster Unionists, SDLP and Alliance. Since Northern Ireland is part of the Ireland island, Westminster can create a policy where Northern Ireland can have sole control of goods imported and exported out of their island allowing them to maintain and increase independence. Wales doesn’t have control of tourism and there are castles that yearly get a lot of tourism and giving Wales total control will not only help their bank accounts but also increase jobs. While all of these proposals would take power away from the central hub of Westminster, it would overall benefit the UK as tensions would ease.

The policy recommended for Westminster is starting a new agency of sorts that deals more with devolved powers to Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales. This agency will deal with all sorts of devolution throughout the United Kingdom. The UK already has agencies that deal with devolution but clearly it’s not doing enough in the status quo which is why Westminster has to take this a step further. Continuing to develop devolved powers for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland will make the people of those places more happy and lessen rifts between UK states. This agency will aid these states with what concerns they may have from Westminster. Overall, the UK’s goal here is to make sure there aren’t inner conflicts. For this to end up happening, Westminster will likely have to hold a meeting with high ranking officials and ultimately agree and accept the fact that these states want more independent powers. People in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales would likely have to use non profit organizations and start social movements to get the attention of not only the people but then the government. If these events happen, then this process will become very feasible.