DEVOLUTION in the UK
The history of Britain is characterized by a strong nationalist spirit of its four countries.
Devolution means the transfer of power from a central government to local or regional governments that can
make decisions for some matters, called devolved matters. The matters controlled by the central government,
that is Westminster Parliament, are called reserved matters.
SCOTLAND
The Scottish Parliament has the power to pass laws on devolved matters such as health, education, law and
home affairs, the Police and Fire services, the environment. Reserved matters, such as defence, foreign
policy, fiscal, economic and monetary system, immigration, trade are responsibility of the UK Parliament in
Westminster (35 MPs represent Scotland in the House of Commons – third party).
History
1603 The Scottish and English crowns were unified with king James VI of Scotland
1707 The Act of Union abolished the separate Parliaments for Scotland and England, and created
a single Parliament at Westminster in London. Scotland retained many distinctive features,
including a separate church and legal system.
1997 A Referendum was held, with 74 % voting in favour of a Scottish Parliament
1999 First elections and first Scottish Parliament. Devolved matters are transferred to the Scottish
Parliament
Since then 4 elections.
In September 2014 a referendum for independence was held. The question: Should Scotland be an
independent country? Yes/No. However, Scotland would remain a constitutional monarchy with Her Majesty
The Queen as Head of State. More than 84% of the population voted. The “NO” side won with 55,3%.
CURRENT SITUATION (since last elections in 2016): The party with the majority of seats (63 out of 129)
in the Parliament is the Scottish National Party which is strongly in favour of a complete independence from
the UK. The First Minister is Nicola Sturgeon.
