For a number of young people they’ve grown up with devolution in the shape of a Scottish Parliament. For some of us, where the first elections to the Parliament took place 15 years ago, it doesn’t seem so long ago but, the new generation may take the Parliament’s existence for granted.
For those who have always known a Scottish Parliament, they have lived in times when we have had the best of both worlds. A strong Scottish Parliament which shapes our domestic agenda while working together across the UK to unlock shared economic and social advancement.
Before the creation of the Parliament, there was much debate about what powers should be transferred from Westminster, not how they might be used. The devolution settlement put that issue to bed for a time.
But, “power” is not an end in itself. It should be a means to deliver the kind of social change and reform that Scotland needs. It is through the exercise of power that we can support individuals and families, help businesses and build a fairer society.
Different political parties have different values and different priorities. That is the nature of politics.
The first Act plugged a legal loophole which had led to a man who’d pled guilty to killing a neighbour being released from the State Hospital. Devolution gave the Parliament the powers needed to act expeditiously. A Scottish Law Commission report to simplify the law relating to adults who lacked capacity to enter into legal transactions was implemented.
There followed legislation to give communities the right to buy land and individuals the right to responsible access over land. Other early successes of devolution included free bus travel for older people, free eye and dental checks and the abolition of tuition fees.
Debate over issues like free personal care for the elderly was fierce and although implemented called a success it left a major issue for a later date. That issue is over funding. It was not recognised/acknowledged at the time that this would take up an ever increasing part of the Parliament’s spending budget. It’s now doubtful if this can continue in the future regardless of Scotland’s constitutional future.
One of the most significant measures to improve democracy was the introduction of the single transferable vote for local elections.
In 1999, Scotland faced different demographic and health challenges to the rest of the UK. That is still the case today. But devolution gave us the power to design a Scottish solution to the unique circumstances that we faced.
A proud Scottish Parliament had the powers to take big choices on policies that continue to make a huge difference to the lives of people around Scotland. And just as today, Scotland benefited from the strength and stability that we took from being part of the UK.
Policies taken forward in the Parliament have helped build a consensus that decisions over things like health, education, justice and transport should be taken here in Scotland. That is the real legacy of the devolution settlement.
All three UK parties have made it clear that further devolution for Scotland will be on the agenda in the 2015 election manifestos, if Scotland votes to stay with the UK. There is a growing consensus that a no vote in September will not mean no to change. A positive vote to remain part of the UK offers Scotland the best of both worlds. A stronger Scottish Parliament and the strength, security and stability that comes from being part of something bigger. More powers for Scotland and more opportunities for businesses as part of the UK family.
The first 15 years of devolution have been good for Scotland. The next 15 years represents an inspiring opportunity to build upon that progress.
The above article is based an a talk given by Jim Wallace to law students at Aberdeen University last November, which I’ve edited.
15 years of devolution
For a number of young people they’ve grown up with devolution in the shape of a Scottish Parliament. For some of us, where the first elections to the Parliament took place 15 years ago, it doesn’t seem so long ago but, the new generation may take the Parliament’s existence for granted.
For those who have always known a Scottish Parliament, they have lived in times when we have had the best of both worlds. A strong Scottish Parliament which shapes our domestic agenda while working together across the UK to unlock shared economic and social advancement.
Before the creation of the Parliament, there was much debate about what powers should be transferred from Westminster, not how they might be used. The devolution settlement put that issue to bed for a time.
But, “power” is not an end in itself. It should be a means to deliver the kind of social change and reform that Scotland needs. It is through the exercise of power that we can support individuals and families, help businesses and build a fairer society.
Different political parties have different values and different priorities. That is the nature of politics.
The first Act plugged a legal loophole which had led to a man who’d pled guilty to killing a neighbour being released from the State Hospital. Devolution gave the Parliament the powers needed to act expeditiously. A Scottish Law Commission report to simplify the law relating to adults who lacked capacity to enter into legal transactions was implemented.
There followed legislation to give communities the right to buy land and individuals the right to responsible access over land. Other early successes of devolution included free bus travel for older people, free eye and dental checks and the abolition of tuition fees.
Debate over issues like free personal care for the elderly was fierce and although implemented called a success it left a major issue for a later date. That issue is over funding. It was not recognised/acknowledged at the time that this would take up an ever increasing part of the Parliament’s spending budget. It’s now doubtful if this can continue in the future regardless of Scotland’s constitutional future.
One of the most significant measures to improve democracy was the introduction of the single transferable vote for local elections.
In 1999, Scotland faced different demographic and health challenges to the rest of the UK. That is still the case today. But devolution gave us the power to design a Scottish solution to the unique circumstances that we faced.
A proud Scottish Parliament had the powers to take big choices on policies that continue to make a huge difference to the lives of people around Scotland. And just as today, Scotland benefited from the strength and stability that we took from being part of the UK.
Policies taken forward in the Parliament have helped build a consensus that decisions over things like health, education, justice and transport should be taken here in Scotland. That is the real legacy of the devolution settlement.
All three UK parties have made it clear that further devolution for Scotland will be on the agenda in the 2015 election manifestos, if Scotland votes to stay with the UK. There is a growing consensus that a no vote in September will not mean no to change. A positive vote to remain part of the UK offers Scotland the best of both worlds. A stronger Scottish Parliament and the strength, security and stability that comes from being part of something bigger. More powers for Scotland and more opportunities for businesses as part of the UK family.
The first 15 years of devolution have been good for Scotland. The next 15 years represents an inspiring opportunity to build upon that progress.
The above article is based an a talk given by Jim Wallace to law students at Aberdeen University last November, which I’ve edited.
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