Devolution Reforms Havent Gone Far Enough And Was Devolution Successul

Question 1

What are the 3 themes?

Answer 1

1) should there be an English parliament
2) should there be more regional devolution in England
3) should there be more further powers granted to Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland

Question 2

Theme 1- should there be an English parliament
FOR

Answer 2

Despite successful devolution to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland under the 1998 Acts, England lacks its own devolved body. A key reform would be creating an English Parliament to decide England-only issues, similar to the Scottish Parliament.

Devolution is asymmetric,as it excludes English citizens from direct representation on England-only policies.

Devolution created imbalance, prompting English Votes for English Laws (EVEL) in 2015, which let English MPs veto England-only laws. However, it failed to stop non-English MPs influencing such legislation and was abolished in 2021.

Tis as The UK’s devolution remains asymmetric—Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have devolved powers, but England does not. An English Parliament would create a more balanced, symmetrical system.

This would better reflect English policy preferences and create a coherent, quasi-federal system: a UK Parliament handling national issues (e.g. macroeconomics) and devolved bodies handling regional matters (e.g. health). It would also resolve the West Lothian Question, concerning the role of non-English MPs voting on England-only laws.

Question 3

Theme 1- should there be an English parliament?
AGAINST

Answer 3

However, the current system of devolution may be successful, as an English Parliament could increase tensions.

With around 85% of the UK population, England would likely dominate, undermining federal balance, as seen in contrasts with the United States.

Tensions already exist between devolved mayors and Westminster,for example when Sadiq Khan criticised UK immigration reforms in 2026.

Additionally, there is limited support for an English Parliament, as many feel represented by the UK Parliament. This is reinforced by Brexit, where Parliament reflected the preferences of the English majority. Therefore, an English Parliament may worsen divisions rather than improve representation.

Overall, an English parliament is not the right solution despite the argument that England is underrepresented because it would foster more tensions with the uk parliament and there is little support support for it from English citizens. (Therefore, making the current system of devolution successful)

Question 4

Theme 2- should there be more regional devolution in England?
FOR

Answer 4

Regional devolution has been successful in improving representation by bringing decision-making closer to local people while maintaining strong MP-constituency links.

For example, the Greater Manchester region under Andy Burnham has used devolved powers to improve healthcare and life expectancy.

This is reinforced by the 2023 ‘Trailblazer’ deals for Greater Manchester and the West Midlands, which devolved powers over skills, housing and infrastructure, showing regional authorities can exercise significant control without undermining parliamentary sovereignty.

Overall, this enhances democracy and may increase participation, as voters see their needs being met w urgency without waiting in parliament approval.

Question 5

Theme 2- should there be more regional devolution in England?
AGAINST

Answer 5

No city and regional assemblies because there is little public support for a regional layer of government in England
E.g. a 2012 referendum on whether Birmingham should have an elected major received a 58% no vote on just a 27.6% TO

Sig cuz the results of a 58% no vote provided a clear verdict of rejection by locals, therefore any plan to create a city council should be promptly abandoned,because it would be considered undemocratic and illegitimate if they were to pursue with it.

Overall, regional assemblies are effective in some areas and deliver greater local representation, however, they should only be extended across England if there is support from local populations in referendums.

Question 6

Theme 3- Should there be further powers granted to Scotland, Wales, and NI?
FOR

Answer 6

Existing devolved bodies have proved that they can run public services and decide policy effectively, particularly during Covid.

E.g. Scotland was granted further powers over transport, welfare and tax policy to get closer towards “devomax”.
In 2022, Scottish gov nationalised rail by bringing Scot rail under public ownership. The Scottish government subsided rail fares, which lead to cheaper rail fares than in England.

Sig- allow Scotland to reflect the more left wing views of the Scottish parliament in policy as well as increasing their ability to to reflect local opinion and address local issues.

Furthermore, by granting further devolution to Scotland, wales and NI, it would give them more autonomy and potentially discourage them from voting for independence in the future- which could happen due to increasing nationalism as they wish to break free from the majority culture (English)and be recognised as their own state with a distinct culture.

Question 7

Theme 3- should there be further powers be granted to Scotland, Wales and NI
AGAINST

Answer 7

Devolved powers have failed to prove their long standing effectiveness in improving key areas as they have significantly fallen behind England in key areas

e.g. NHS performance and education despite them having significantly higher per capita spending on these sectors than England.
E.g. according to the guardian 2023, you are twice as likely to be on a year plus waiting list in Scotland than in England. Moreover, according to PISA rankings ( international ranking of education performance), Scotland and wales had fallen behind England with lower levels of past rates in relation to GCSE and A-level equivalents

Overall, further devolution would allow greater representation and prevent an increase in support for independence however, devolved bodies are still lacking behind England despite them tailoring policies to help target these disparities- showing their incapability - an arguemnt for having a Unitarian state where the parliament holds centralise power in UK decision making

Question 8

Conclusion

Answer 8

Overall, devolution was successful as it prevented an English parliament from becoming too powerful which could further intensify asymmetric transfers of power, it addressed local concerns effectively and maintains the unity of the UK as devolved bodies are less likely to retaliate and demand a referendum to become independent.

Overall, there shouldn’t be further devolution in England due to there being little public support for it, it could risk fracturing the integrity of the UK parliament as it could deter countries from remaining in unity with the UK, and it could improve QoL for citizens albeit some factors falling behind England standards.