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This source has been adapted from the House of Lords Select Committee on the Constitution report entitled 'The Union and devolution', published in 2016 - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 1 - 2019 - Paper 2
Question 1
This source has been adapted from the House of Lords Select Committee on the Constitution report entitled 'The Union and devolution', published in 2016. This report ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:This source has been adapted from the House of Lords Select Committee on the Constitution report entitled 'The Union and devolution', published in 2016 - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 1 - 2019 - Paper 2
Step 1
Compare and contrast different opinions in the source
Answer
The source outlines both sides of the argument regarding devolution and its impact on the unity of the United Kingdom.
On the one hand, it suggests that devolution has created disparities and that the benefits of unity have been overlooked. There is a claim that the current structure of power devolved unevenly may threaten constitutional stability due to a lack of coherent vision for the UK's future.
Conversely, the source also argues that devolution has not harmed the coherence of the nation, emphasizing that the four nations have found a way to work collectively, reinforcing their strength. The reference to the relationship of mutual respect among nations highlights that devolution has spurred local governance while maintaining overall unity.
Step 2
Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each view in a balanced way
Answer
The argument that devolution undermines unity is compelling in light of the apparent political and administrative divergence, which might foster a sense of disconnection among the nations. The lack of a comprehensive vision for the future structure of the UK stands as a noteworthy weakness to this view, as it raises concerns about potential fragmentation.
In contrast, the view that devolution supports democratic engagement and regional identity is supported by the notion that it promotes local governance. This aspect reflects a fundamental principle of democracy as regions gain more control over their affairs. The weakness of this viewpoint lies in the potential for growing disparities and tensions between the devolved administrations and the central government.
Step 3
Reach a reasoned conclusion about the opinion presented in the source
Answer
In conclusion, while the risks of devolution leading to an undermining of the unity of the United Kingdom are evident, particularly through ongoing demands for greater autonomy, it is equally clear that devolution has fortified local governance and identity. The positive aspects of devolution—facilitating local democracy and addressing regional needs—suggest that it does not inherently undermine unity. Ultimately, the challenge lies in balancing the need for regional autonomy with the overarching need for cohesive governance across the UK.