In this issue: Scottish devolution
This month we are focusing on Scottish devolution, following Alex Salmond's proposals for a referendum on Scottish independence in 2014.
What powers do devolved legislatures and the UK Parliament have at the moment? How will the Scotland bill, currently passing through the House of Lords, change the powers of the Scottish Parliament? And what effect would further Scottish devolution have on the United Kingdom?
Explore these issues with your students using the videos, summaries and downloadable resources below.
In one minute: Scottish devolution
We gave two parliamentarians one minute to answer the question: 'Is the Union still relevant today?' and other questions about the Scotland bill and the referendum on Scottish independence.
More videos
Explore these issues in the classroom using the source materials and questions in the downloadable classroom resource on devolution. We also have a resource on referendums for you to use with your students.
Devolution: who controls what?
The 1998 Scotland Act laid out which powers should be 'reserved' by the UK Parliament and which should be 'devolved' to Scotland.
- The Scottish Parliament can make laws on a range of matters including education, the environment, transport and health services.
- Only the UK Parliament can make laws on issues including immigration, foreign policy, and defence.
Find out which powers are devolved
Fact: When the UK Parliament passed the Scotland Act, one power was unintentionally devolved. The power to grant permits for Scottish scientists to visit Antarctica wasn't 'reserved' by the UK Parliament. Technically, this meant it was taken over by the Scottish Parliament, even though international matters are supposed to be reserved. So, the Foreign Office hasn't had the authority to grant these permits since 1998!
The referendum - how is the UK Parliament involved?
In the Scotland Act (1998), the UK Parliament reserved control over matters that affect the status of the UK as a whole. If Scotland holds a referendum and chooses independence, then the status of the UK will change, yet the Scottish Parliament doesn't have power over this.
To allow for a referendum on Scottish independence, the UK Parliament will need to pass a new Act of Parliament, add an amendment about the referendum to the Scotland bill, or pass an Order, allowing for a referendum.
The Scotland bill - what's included?
The Scotland bill is currently being examined by the House of Lords. If passed by both Houses, it will increase the powers devolved to the Scottish Parliament, mostly relating to finance.
At the moment, tax rates are set by the UK Parliament. A portion of this revenue (the block grant) is given to the Scottish Parliament, to spend how it chooses. The bill gives the Scottish Parliament more tax-raising powers of its own to fund its spending programmes.
For example, the bill reduces the UK income tax paid by Scottish residents by 10%. This enables the Scottish Parliament to levy income tax as well, while the annual sum allocated to Scotland from the UK Treasury is decreased.
Who am I?
This month's guest is Emma Gormley, Assistant Curator of parliamentary art. She looks after a unique collection of art and commissions new works showing prominent Members of Parliament.
Classroom resources
Straight from the horse's mouth, here are some original source materials exploring devolution, national identity, and the possible effect on the UK Parliament of a referendum in Scotland. A set of questions is available to help your students get the most from the resource.
News round-up: Top stories this month
Radicalisation and the internet - new report
The internet plays a greater role in promoting violent radicalisation than prisons, universities, or places of worship, according to a new report from the Home Affairs Select Committee in the House of Commons.
House of Lords reform - Peers' proposals
While the government proposes an elected House of Lords, Peers have been debating their own reform bill. Peers would continue to be appointed but no party could have a majority and over 20% of Peers would be independent of a political party.
Welfare Reform Bill becomes law
The Welfare Reform bill, which caps the total benefit a person can claim, among other measures, has now become a law after the two Houses of Parliament accepted each others' amendments.