Understand the Shift in Devolution - Why 1997 Secured What 1979 Fell Short

While the 1979 Scottish devolution referendum was a significant step towards greater autonomy, it was not enough to fully satisfy the aspirations of the Scottish nationalist movement. Fast forward to 1997, and the devolution of power to Scotland became a reality, fundamentally altering the political landscape and addressing issues that had been left unresolved. This article explores the reasons why the 1997 devolution secured what the 1979 referendum fell short of, highlighting key areas such as funding, voting systems, and systemic governance.

Why Did the 1979 Referendum Not Achieve Full Devolution?

The 1979 referendum was a historic moment for Scotland, marking a step towards greater autonomy from the UK. However, the nationalists were left with a significant setback, as the lack of majority support in the referendum resulted in no devolved Scottish government. This failure failed to provide the nationalists with the full power they sought. Sadly, this outcome ultimately contributed to a prolonged period of hardship, with Scotland suffering from severe funding and service cuts in the years that followed.

Unionist Strategies and Power Dynamics

When it came to implementing devolution, the Westminster authorities did not hesitate to make concessions. The EU's agreement was based on a recognition that Westminster would acquiesce due to the EU's correctness. Nevertheless, there were significant hurdles to overcome, such as the Westminster refusal to adopt the same voting system as Westminster, opting for a proportional representation (PR) system instead of the first-past-the-post (FPTP) system. This strategic choice was intended to prevent any political party from obtaining a majority, thereby forcing cooperation between different parties.

The intention behind this move was to maintain the dominance of Labour, which was expected to continue winning votes, ensuring a continuous control by unionist parties. However, Scottish voters did not endorse this control, with Labour enjoying several election cycles only to lose all their support. Meanwhile, the SNP managed to secure a majority in the Scottish Parliament, despite the parliament’s deliberate design to prevent such an outcome. Unionists continued to reject this as a mandate for Scottish independence, marking a significant point of contention in Scottish politics.

The Benefits of Devolution: A Closer Look at Governance and Institutions

Before the devolution, several institutions in Scotland were administered by the Scotland Office, which led to various challenges. Key areas such as the NHS, Scottish law, education, Churches, and local authorities faced significant administrative and legislative constraints. A lack of bespoke legislatures for these institutions was problematic, especially when it came to issues like criminal law, where the lack of statutory foundations made it slow to reform. While there is no inherent issue with common law, a reliance on precedent can lead to outdated practices, as seen with the decriminalization of homosexuality in Scotland lagging behind England by nearly two decades.

Devolution brought the idea of creating a parliament tailored to Scottish needs, a concept that was widely regarded as sensible. A separate Scottish legislature could focus and prioritize issues specific to Scotland, rather than being seen as an afterthought in Westminster. Although the election of 129 politicians was a result of this, they were not necessarily driven by genuine commitment to Scottish issues, as evidenced by the continued socioeconomic problems in Glasgow. The focus was often on short-term political agendas rather than long-term solutions.

Conclusion: The Devolution of Power in Scotland

The devolution of power in 1997 marked a significant shift in Scottish governance and autonomy. While the 1979 referendum laid the groundwork, the 1997 devolution secured more comprehensive and lasting changes. The strategic choices made by Westminster, including the adoption of a PR system and the creation of a Scottish Parliament, played a crucial role in this success. However, the road to true Scottish democracy is a complex one, with challenges and limitations that continue to be addressed.

Devolution has brought numerous benefits, including better representation and tailored governance for Scottish needs. However, the success of devolution ultimately depends on the political will to prioritize Scottish interests over short-term political gains. Only then can the spirit of devolution truly be realized.