Devolution: Triumph or Triumph of Inaccuracy?

No matter what the bitter, wet behind the ears housejock Michael Addley and his cult of Westminster loyalists claim, devolution has been nothing short of brilliant. For the English Conservatives, it has been a major success, leading to a significant advantage as the SNP’s prominence has made it virtually impossible for Labour to form a government without their support. This, in turn, creates a convenient bogeyman for the Tories to use to scare voters.

Anecdotal Claims vs. Real Statistics

Boris Johnson and others who question the benefits of devolution often paint a misleading picture. Let's deconstruct some of their claims.

For instance, the argument that drug deaths are unrelated to the Scottish government is a red herring. The Scottish government can certainly influence public health campaigns, alcohol pricing, and other policies that impact drug and alcohol-related deaths. Further, when the SNP takes actions like raising alcohol prices, they are often attacked by unionists for such measures while simultaneously complaining about high alcohol-related deaths.

These criticisms highlight the cynical nature of these arguments, as the SNP cannot win regardless of their actions. They are faulted for every outcome, no matter how much they try to address the issues.

Economic Success or Halfway House?

When evaluated in economic terms, devolution has indeed been a significant success. For example, despite spending more per individual on education in Scotland, comparable results are slipping. While this indicates areas where improvements can still be made, it is still a marked improvement compared to the situations in England. Seven years ago, England spent ￡10,000 less on education per individual, yet showed no significant difference in results. This statistic alone demonstrates the positive impact of devolution.

However, one of the main issues with devolution is the halfway house nature, which cannot fully address complex issues. The GERS figures for 2016-17 provide additional evidence for the economic argument of Scottish independence. Yet, the social and political context makes this a nuanced debate, distinct from the pure economic argument.

The Power of Politics and Propaganda

Why do unionists and pro-Brexit figures like Boris Johnson consistently lie? The short answer is ideology drives them, not reality or facts. Johnson, as a soundbite politician, is more concerned with public perception than the truth. His constant lying serves to bolster the backlash against the SNP, but it also reflects the broader political landscape and the challenges of maintaining support for a political agenda based on delusions rather than reality.

It is important to approach these claims with skepticism and scrutiny. The rhetoric surrounding devolution must be weighed against solid evidence and data, which often show positive, albeit incomplete, impacts. The debate on devolution is complex and multifaceted, requiring a balanced and evidence-based approach to truly understand its benefits and limitations.