Shifting Agendas Moving toward constitutional change & ‘solutions’ for Northern Ireland

The UK after 1945 Constitutional change either not on the agenda or so low down that no one talks about it Instead, other problems loom: Expanding the welfare state Winding down the empire Finding Britain’s place in a changing world:  Britain no longer rules the waves  Cold War  Position in postwar international economy

From the 1950s to the 1980s Domestic: Maintaining the welfare state Coping with industrial decline & a stagnating economy International: Ongoing decolonization International economy Atlantic connection vs. Europe:  ‘Special Relationship with the US or  One of several EU member-states?

Re-setting the stage: Scotland and Wales: Scottish identity always there Scots nationalism evident from 1930s:  SNP founded  Literary thrust However:  largely a cultural movement  No Quiet Revolution But SNP gains support:  ~30% of Scottish vote in 1974 elections

Wilson & Callaghan gov’ts Preoccupied with industrial decline Industrial restructuring Plant closures Industrial strife UK forced to go to IMF for funds in 1976 EU membership: UK joins in 1973 Labour renegotiates – secures small changes Holds referendum in on EU membership in1975

Coping with ‘regional’ questions Propose referenda: Scotland & Wales to vote in referenda Question: Should Parliament should devolve powers to Scottish & Welsh assemblies Decision to hold referenda controversial: West Lothian question Other issues: future of union

West Lothian question: Tam Dalyell (MP for W. Lothian) asks "For how long will English constituencies and English Honourable members tolerateEnglish at least 119 Honourable Members from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland exercising an important, and probably often decisive, effect on British politicsNorthern Ireland while they themselves have no say in the same matters in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?”

In different terms, If there is a Scottish Parliament, Why should Scotland be over-represented in Commons? Why Scottish MPs have a voice on English issues?

Outcome: Parliament passes Scotland Act of 1978: Devolves some decisions No power to tax But: Referendum: “Do you want the provisions of the Scotland Act 1978 to be put into effect?" Act does not come into effect until referendum held 40% of registered electorate must vote yes

March 1979 Referendum Yes: 1,230,937 (51.6%) No: 1,153,500 (48.4%) ▲

Result Yes: 1,230,937 (51.6%) No: 1,153,500 (48.4%) Total votes cast 2,384,437 Turnout: 63.8% Registered electorate: 3,737,362 YES = 32.9% of registered electorate Parliament repeals 1978 Scotland Act

Problem How much constitutional change took place? Why was constitutional change on the agenda at all? Factors to consider: impact of Thatcherism changing value of Union party politics & the party battle  Who gains & who loses from devolution?