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Scottish devolution

Delve into the historical background of Scottish devolution, explore political questions, learn how the Parliament operates, and analyze policy outcomes. Understand the public attitudes towards devolution through key events such as the 1979 referendum and the establishment of devolution as Labour policy. Explore the powers of the Parliament, Barnett formula, and public perceptions towards governance in Scotland.

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Scottish devolution

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  1. Scottish devolution Historical background; Political questions; How Parliament operates; Policy outcomes; Public Attitudes

  2. Historical background • 1707 Act of Union – a decapitation Law, Education, Religion: different policy settlement • 1974 election: disenchantment, economic slowdown, oil • 1979 referendum: needs 40% electorate • Barnett formula: overspending on Scotland?

  3. A crisis of legitimacy? • Thatcher at Westminster but Tories in Scotland? • Exemplified by Poll Tax • Scottish Constitutional Convention (1993): TUs, churches, pressure groups, Labour & the Liberals • Established devolution as Labour policy

  4. Referendum 11th September 1997: Turnout: 59% YES to Parliament: 74.3% YES to tax varying powers: 63.5% • Scotland Act 1998 • Elections 1999 • Blair: ‘the powers of a parish council’

  5. Walking a tightrope? • First step to independence? • The West Lothian question • Money & tax • The Barnett Formula

  6. The Parliament • 129 MSPs • Unicameral • Strong committee system • FPTP & AMS: 73 constituencies & %^ List MSPs in 8 regions (European regions) • Horseshoe chamber

  7. Powers • Health, education, local government, housing, economic development, transport, law and home affairs, environment, agriculture, fisheries & forestry • Reserve powers (Westminster) Foreign policy, defence, finance, employment & social security

  8. New politics? • Coalition politics • Sophisticated electorate • Smaller parties do well • Free personal care • Tuition fees • Lead on smoking ban

  9. Public attitudes • ‘Ordinary people will have more say in how Scotland is governed’ 1997 1999 2000 79% 64% 44% Scottish Social Attitudes Survey 2000

  10. A social democratic settlement? Redistribute income & wealth: % agreeing (Paterson, 2001) Scotland England 1979 58 52 1992 61 47 1997 69 59 1999 61 36

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