View source for Scottish devolution

{{Short description|Since 1707 Acts of Union to present day}}
[[File:Scottish Parliament building, Holyrood - geograph.org.uk - 2336624.jpg|thumb|[[Scottish Parliament]]|261x261px]]
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2022}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2013}}
{{Politics of Scotland}}'''Scottish devolution''' is the process of the [[Parliament of the United Kingdom|UK Parliament]] [[Devolution in the United Kingdom|granting powers]] (excluding powers over [[Devolved, reserved and excepted matters|reserved]] matters) to the devolved [[Scottish Parliament]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=devolution {{!}} government and politics {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/devolution-government-and-politics |access-date=2022-10-15 |website=Encyclopædia Britannica |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Devolution of powers to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland |url=https://www.gov.uk/guidance/devolution-of-powers-to-scotland-wales-and-northern-ireland |access-date=2022-10-15 |website=GOV.UK |date=8 May 2019 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-03-24 |title=Devolution: What is it and how does it work across the UK? |language=en-GB |publisher=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-54974078 |access-date=2022-10-15}}</ref> Prior to the advent of devolution, some had argued for a Scottish Parliament within the [[United Kingdom]] – while others have since advocated for complete [[Scottish independence|independence]]. The people of Scotland first got the opportunity to vote in a referendum on proposals for devolution in 1979 and, although a majority of those voting voted 'Yes', the referendum legislation also required 40% of the electorate to vote 'Yes' for the plans to be enacted and this was not achieved. A second referendum opportunity in [[1997 Scottish devolution referendum|1997]], this time on a strong proposal, resulted in an overwhelming 'Yes' victory, leading to the [[Scotland Act 1998]] being passed and the Scottish Parliament being established in 1999.

Scottish voters were given the chance to vote 'Yes' on outright independence in a [[2014 Scottish independence referendum|2014 referendum]].  In an effort to persuade Scots to remain in the Union, the major UK parties vowed to devolve further powers to Scotland after the referendum.  The 'No' vote prevailed (independence was rejected) and the campaign promise of devolution resulted in the formation of the [[Smith Commission]] and the eventual passage of the [[Scotland Act 2016]].

== History ==

=== 1707 to 1999 ===
Having agreed to pass the [[Union with England Act]], the [[Parliament of Scotland]] 'adjourned' on 25 March 1707. The new united [[Kingdom of Great Britain]]<ref>[http://www.parliament.uk/actofunion/ Welcome] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081015044930/http://www.parliament.uk/actofunion/ |date=15 October 2008 }} parliament.uk, accessed 7 October 2008</ref><ref>[[s:Act of Union 1707|Act of Union 1707]], Article 2.</ref> came into being on 1 May 1707, with a single [[Parliament of Great Britain]] which merged the parliamentary bodies and constituencies of [[Kingdom of England|England]] and [[Kingdom of Scotland|Scotland]] into a new legislature located in London.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Act of Union {{!}} Great Britain [1707] {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/event/Act-of-Union-Great-Britain-1707 |access-date=2022-10-15 |website=Encyclopædia Britannica |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Act of Union between England and Scotland |url=https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofBritain/The-Act-of-Union/ |access-date=2022-10-15 |website=Historic UK |language=en-GB}}</ref> The post of [[Secretary of State for Scotland]] existed after 1707 until the [[Jacobite rising of 1745]]. Thereafter, responsibility for Scotland lay primarily with the office of the [[Secretary of State for the Northern Department]], usually exercised by the [[Lord Advocate]]. The Secretaries of State were reorganised in 1782, and the duties now came under the [[Home Secretary|Secretary of State for the Home Department]].

==== Administrative devolution (1885) ====
1885 saw the creation of the [[Scottish Office]] and the post of [[Secretary for Scotland]]. From 1892 the Secretary for Scotland sat in [[Cabinet (government)|cabinet]], but the position was not officially recognised as a full member of the [[cabinet of the United Kingdom]] until the Secretary for Scotland post was upgraded to full Secretary of State rank as [[Secretary of State for Scotland]] in 1926.

==== Government of Scotland Bill 1913 ====
In May 1913 the House of Commons passed the [[second reading]] of the Government of Scotland Bill 1913 (also referred to as the Scottish Home Rule Bill) by 204 votes to 159. The bill was supported by Liberals and opposed by [[Irish Unionists|Unionists]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/commons/1913/may/30/government-of-scotland-bill |title=GOVERNMENT OF SCOTLAND BILL. (Hansard, 30 May 1913) |work=[[Hansard|Parliamentary Debates (Hansard)]] |date=30 May 1913 |access-date=2015-09-07}}</ref> It did not proceed further due to the outbreak of the First World War.

==== Scottish Covenant Association (1940s and 1950s) ====
{{main|Scottish Covenant Association}}

The [[Scottish Covenant Association]] was a non-partisan political organisation that sought the establishment of a devolved [[Scottish Assembly]]. It was formed by [[John MacCormick]] who had left the [[Scottish National Party]] in 1942 when they decided to support all-out [[Scottish independence|independence]] for Scotland rather than devolution as had been their position.

The Association was responsible for the creation of the [[Scottish Covenant]], which gathered two million signatures in support of devolution. Members of the organisation were also responsible for the removal of the [[Stone of Scone|Stone of Destiny]] from [[Westminster Abbey]] in 1950 that attracted huge publicity for the cause of Scottish [[home rule]].

==== Kilbrandon Report (1973) ====
{{main|Royal Commission on the Constitution (United Kingdom)}}

==== 1979 devolution referendum ====
{{main|1979 Scottish devolution referendum}}

The [[1979 Scottish devolution referendum|Scottish referendum of 1979]] was a post-legislative [[referendum]] to decide whether there was sufficient support for the [[Scotland Act 1978]] that was to create a [[Scottish Assembly|deliberative assembly]] for Scotland. The Act required that for the Act to be repealed, less than 40% of the electorate would have to vote ''no'' in the referendum. The referendum resulted in a narrow ''Yes'' majority but fell short of the 40% requirement.

==== 1997 devolution referendum ====
{{main|1997 Scottish devolution referendum}}

The [[1997 Scottish devolution referendum|Scottish devolution referendum of 1997]] was a pre-legislative [[referendum]] over whether there was support for the creation of a [[Scottish Parliament]] within the United Kingdom and whether there was support for such a parliament to have tax varying powers. In response to the clear majority voting for both proposals, the [[United Kingdom Parliament]] passed the [[Scotland Act 1998]], creating the [[Scottish Parliament]] and [[Scottish Government|Scottish Executive]].

==== The Scotland Act 1998 ====
{{main|Scotland Act 1998}}

The Act was introduced by the [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour]] government in 1998 after the 1997 referendum.  It created the [[Scottish Parliament]], setting out how [[Members of the Scottish Parliament]] are to be elected,<ref>Sections 1 to 18.</ref> making some provision about the internal operation of the Parliament<ref>Sections 19 to 27, 39 to 43.</ref> (although many issues are left for the Parliament itself to regulate) and setting out the process for the Parliament to consider and pass Bills which become [[Acts of the Scottish Parliament]] once they receive [[Royal assent]].<ref>Sections 28 to 36.</ref> The Act specifically asserts the continued power of the UK Parliament to legislate in respect of Scotland.<ref>Section 28(7).</ref>

The Act devolves all powers except over matter it specifies as reserved matters.<ref>Schedule 5.</ref> It further designates a list of statutes which are not amenable to amendment or repeal by the Parliament<ref>Schedule 4</ref> which includes the [[Human Rights Act 1998]] and many provisions of the Scotland Act itself. Even when acting within its legislative competence, the Act further constrains the powers of the Parliament by inhibiting it from acting in a manner incompatible with the [[European Convention on Human Rights]] or [[European Communities|European Community]] law.<ref>Section 29(2)(d).</ref> The same constraints apply to acts of the Scottish Executive.<ref>Section 57(2).</ref>

== Scottish Parliament established, May 1999 ==
{{main|Scottish Parliament}}
[[File:Opening of the Scottish Parliament, 1999.jpg|thumb|right|[[First Minister of Scotland|First Minister]] [[Donald Dewar]] with [[Queen Elizabeth II]] at the opening of the Scottish Parliament, May 1999]] 

The Scottish Parliament met for the first time on 12 May 1999 and began its first session with [[Scottish National Party|SNP]] member [[Winnie Ewing]] stating "the Scottish Parliament, adjourned on 25th day of March in the year 1707, is hereby reconvened"<ref>{{cite news|title=12 May 1999: Winnie Ewing reconvenes the Scottish Parliament|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/democracylive/hi/historic_moments/newsid_8187000/8187312.stm|publisher=BBC News|access-date=3 March 2013}}</ref>

=== Opening of new Scottish Parliament building (2004) ===
{{main|Scottish Parliament Building}}

Construction of the Scottish Parliament building began in June 1999 and the first debate in the new building was held on Tuesday 7 September 2004. The formal opening by [[Elizabeth II|the Queen]] took place on 9 October 2004.<ref name="Opening">{{cite web|url=http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/nmCentre/events/holyroodOpening/index.htm |title=Opening of Holyrood |publisher=Scottish Parliament |access-date=2006-10-29 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060504024309/http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/nmCentre/events/holyroodOpening/index.htm |archive-date=4 May 2006 }}</ref> [[Enric Miralles]], the Spanish architect who designed the building, died before its completion.<ref name="Death">{{cite news |title=Scots Parliament architect dies |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/817635.stm|publisher=BBC Scotland News |date=2000-07-03 |access-date=2006-10-29 }}</ref>

From 1999 until the opening of the new building in 2004, committee rooms and the debating chamber of the Scottish Parliament were housed in the [[General Assembly Hall of the Church of Scotland|General Assembly Hall]] of the [[Church of Scotland]] located on [[The Mound]] in Edinburgh.<ref name="Old">{{cite news |title=Scotland's Parliament to start life in General Assembly Hall |url=http://www.scotland.gov.uk/news/releas98/pr0564.htm |publisher=Scottish Office |date=1998-03-20 |access-date=2006-10-27 }}</ref> Office and administrative accommodation in support of the Parliament were provided in buildings leased from the [[City of Edinburgh Council]].<ref name="Old"/> The new Scottish Parliament Building brought together these different elements into one purpose built parliamentary complex, housing 129 MSPs and more than 1,000 staff and [[civil servants]].<ref name="ArchitectureReview">{{cite news |url=http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3575/is_1293_216/ai_n8641942/pg_1 |author=Catherine Slessor |date=November 2004| title=Scotland the brave: operatic in both conception and execution, Scotland's long awaited new parliament will help a fledgling institution to mature and evolve |publisher=Architecture Review |access-date=2007-01-04}}</ref>

The building aims to conceive a poetic union between the [[Geography of Scotland|Scottish landscape]], its [[Scottish people|people]], its [[Scottish culture|culture]] and the city of Edinburgh, an approach that won the parliament building numerous awards including the 2005 [[Stirling Prize]], and it has been described as "a tour de force of arts and crafts and quality without parallel in the last 100 years of British architecture".<ref name="Jencks">{{cite web |url=http://www.architecturetoday.co.uk/Articles/view.php?id=23084
|title=Identity parade: Miralles and the Scottish parliament: On the architectural territories of the EMBT/RMJM parliament building |publisher=Architecture Today no.154 p.32–44 |date=January 2005 |author=Charles Jencks |access-date=2007-01-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071009045338/http://www.architecturetoday.co.uk/Articles/view.php?id=23084 |archive-date=2007-10-09}}</ref><ref name="sunday herald">{{cite news |url=http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4156/is_20050123/ai_n9628505|title=Holyrood is 'without parallel' in 100 years of architecture |author= Senay Boztas |date=2005-01-23 |work=Sunday Herald|access-date=2007-01-10}}</ref>

=== Powers over Scottish railways transferred (2005) ===
[[File:Scotrail Class 385 test train at Gourock - geograph.org.uk - 5270521.jpg|thumb|right|Further powers over Scotland's railway system were devolved under the Railways Act 2005 to the Scottish Parliament]] 
As a result of provisions in the Railways Bill, powers were transferred from the Department of Transport to the Scottish Executive, a move described by then First Minister, Jack McConnell as "...the most significant devolution of new powers to Scottish ministers since 1999."<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/4185185.stm Executive in £325m rail takeover] BBC News, 18 January 2005</ref>

=== Scottish Executive becomes Scottish Government (2007) ===
{{main|Scottish Government|Government of the 4th Scottish Parliament}}

<!-- Image with inadequate rationale removed: [[File:Scottish Government logo.png|thumb|right|200px|The logo of the Scottish Government, incorporating the [[flag of Scotland|Saltire]]. It was called the 'Scottish Executive' in the Scotland Act and, despite renaming itself, legally retains that name.]] -->
A Scottish Executive was created under section 44 of the [[Scotland Act 1998]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1998/46/section/44/2009-10-01?timeline=true|title=Scotland Act 1998 Section 44|website=legislation.gov.uk}}</ref> Following the [[2007 Scottish Parliament election]], the Scottish Executive was rebranded as the Scottish Government by the new [[Scottish National Party]] administration.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/6974798.stm Scottish Executive renames itself], [[BBC News]], 3 September 2007.</ref> Other changes that took place at this time included the development of the National Performance Framework and major restructuring whereby Directors-General were put in charge of the achievement of the Government's strategic objectives. These changes have been described as developing a form of strategic state.<ref>{{Cite journal|url=https://doi.org/10.1080/09540962.2020.1714206|title=The implementation of a strategic state in a small country setting—the case of the 'Scottish Approach'|first=Ian C.|last=Elliott|date=18 May 2020|journal=Public Money & Management|volume=40|issue=4|pages=285–293|via=Taylor and Francis+NEJM|doi=10.1080/09540962.2020.1714206|s2cid=159062210|url-access=subscription}}</ref> The new name's use in Westminster legislation was updated by s.12 [[Scotland Act 2012]].

=== Calman Commission (2007) ===
{{main|Commission on Scottish Devolution}}

The Calman Commission was established by a motion passed by the [[Scottish Parliament]] on 6 December 2007.<ref>[http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-07/sor1206-02.htm#Col4133 The Scottish Parliament – Official Report] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080809150431/http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-07/sor1206-02.htm |date=9 August 2008 }}</ref> Its terms of reference are: "To review the provisions of the [[Scotland Act 1998]] in the light of experience and to recommend any changes to the present constitutional arrangements that would enable the Scottish Parliament to better serve the people of [[Scotland]], that would improve the financial accountability of the Scottish Parliament and that would continue to secure the position of Scotland within the United Kingdom."<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.holyrood.com/content/view/2268/10552/|magazine=Holyrood|title=Pro union devolution review launched|date=25 March 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201100840/http://www.holyrood.com/content/view/2268/10552/|archive-date=1 December 2008}}</ref> However, concerns have been expressed that its final report will not have "much legitimacy" because it was skewed towards preserving the status quo.<ref>[http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/latestnews/Calman-evidence-39was-tampered-with39.4746119.jp Calman evidence 'was tampered with'] Scotland on Sunday, 30 November 2008</ref>

=== Powers transferred over planning and nature conservation matters at sea (2008) ===
During 2008, agreement was reached to transfer responsibility for all planning and nature conservation matters at sea up to 200 miles from the Scottish coast to the [[Scottish Government]]. The change has implications for the [[North Sea oil|offshore industry]], wind and wave power and to a lesser extent, fishing, though responsibility for fishing quotas remains a [[European Union]] issue{{Update inline|date=May 2025}} and oil and gas licensing and permitting remains a reserved matter.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/north_east/7752324.stm Scotland handed sea planning role] BBC News, 27 November 2008</ref>

=== Independence referendum ===
{{Main|2014 Scottish independence referendum}}
[[File:The Edinburgh Agreement (8090733257).jpg|thumb|right|The signatures of the [[Edinburgh Agreement (2012)|Edinburgh Agreement]], the legislation that granted powers to the Scottish Parliament to hold a referendum on independence in 2014]] 

In August 2009, the SNP announced a Referendum Bill would be included in its package of bills to be debated before Parliament in 2009–10, with the intention of holding a referendum on the issues of [[Scottish independence]] in November 2010. The bill did not pass due to the SNP's status as a [[minority government|minority administration]], and due to the initial opposition to the Bill from all other major parties in the [[Scottish Parliament]].<ref name=ReferendumBill2010>{{cite web|url=http://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/programme-for-government/2009-10/summary-of-bills/referendum-bill 
 |title=Referendum Bill 
 |publisher=[[Scottish Government]] 
 |work=Official website, About > Programme for Government > 2009–10 > Summaries of Bills > Referendum Bill 
 |date=2009-09-02 
 |access-date=2009-09-10 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607203632/http://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/programme-for-government/2009-10/summary-of-bills/referendum-bill
 |archive-date=7 June 2011
 |url-status=dead 
}}</ref><ref name=Times3Sep09>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6820542.ece |title=Salmond to push ahead with referendum Bill |work=[[The Times]] |date=2009-09-03 |access-date=2009-09-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100531170941/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6820542.ece |archive-date=31 May 2010 |location=London |first=Angus |last=MacLeod |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Following the [[2011 Scottish Parliament election]], the SNP had a majority in parliament and again brought forward an Independence Referendum Bill. The Scottish Government also suggested that [[full fiscal autonomy for Scotland]] (known as "devo-max") could be an alternative option in the vote. The negotiation of the [[Edinburgh Agreement (2012)]] resulted in the UK government legislating to provide the Scottish Parliament with the powers to hold the referendum. The "devo-max" option was not included, however, as the Edinburgh Agreement stipulated that the referendum had to be a clear binary choice between independence or the existing devolution arrangements. The Scottish Independence Referendum (Franchise) Act 2013 was passed by the Scottish Parliament and campaigning commenced. Two days before the referendum was held, with polls very close, the leaders of the three main UK political parties made "The Vow", a public pledge to devolve "extensive new powers" to the Scottish Parliament if independence was rejected. They also agreed to a devolution timetable proposed by [[Gordon Brown]].

After heavy campaigning by both sides, voting took place on 18 September 2014.  Independence was rejected by a margin of 45% in favour to 55% against.

=== Smith Commission ===
{{Main|Smith Commission}}
The day after the referendum, [[David Cameron]] announced the formation of the [[Smith Commission]] to "convene cross-party talks" concerning "recommendations for further devolution of powers to the Scottish Parliament".  Two months later, on 27 November 2014, the commission published its recommendations, which included giving the Scottish Parliament complete power to set income tax rates and bands, increased borrowing powers, and an [[Smith Commission#Recommendations|extensive list]] of other rights and powers.

=== Scotland Act 2016 ===
{{Main|Scotland Act 2016}}
Based on the Smith Commission's recommendations, the [[Scotland Act 2016]] was passed by Parliament and received Royal Assent on 23 March 2016.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/scotland-bill-completes-its-passage-through-parliament |title=Scotland Act 2016 receives Royal Assent |author=Scotland Office and The Rt Hon David Mundell MP |date=2016-03-23 |publisher=UK Government |access-date=2016-05-13}}</ref> The Act set out amendments to the [[Scotland Act 1998]] and devolved further powers to Scotland, most notably:<ref>{{cite news|title=Holyrood gives approval to devolved powers Scotland Bill|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-35815426|publisher=BBC News|date=16 March 2016|access-date=31 March 2016}}</ref>

* The ability to amend sections of the [[Scotland Act 1998]] which relate to the operation of the [[Scottish Parliament]] and the [[Scottish Government]] within the United Kingdom including control of its electoral system (subject to a two-thirds majority within the parliament for any proposed change)
* Legislative control over areas such as [[Onshore (hydrocarbons)|onshore oil and gas extraction]], [[Passenger rail franchising in Great Britain|rail franchising]], [[consumer advocacy]] and advice amongst others by devolution of powers in relation to these fields to the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Ministers.
* Management of the [[Crown Estate]] (followed up by the [[Scottish Crown Estate Act 2019]]) and the [[British Transport Police]] in [[Scotland]]
* Control over certain and removable [[Taxation in the United Kingdom|taxes]] including [[Air Passenger Duty]] 
* Full control over [[Scottish income tax]] including Income Tax rates and bands on non-savings and non-dividend income

The Act recognised the Scottish Parliament and a Scottish Government as permanent among UK's constitutional arrangements, with a referendum required before either can be abolished.

== Proposed further devolution ==

=== SNP proposals ===
In April 2015, the SNP released a manifesto citing aspirations for further devolution than outlined by the [[Smith Commission]] with the devolution of corporation tax, National Insurance Contributions (NICs), and the welfare system. Full fiscal autonomy was also a medium-term goal.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Full fiscal autonomy delayed? The SNP's plans for further devolution to Scotland |url=https://ifs.org.uk/articles/full-fiscal-autonomy-delayed-snps-plans-further-devolution-scotland |access-date=2023-11-02 |website=Institute for Fiscal Studies |language=en}}</ref> First minister Nicola Sturgeon added the following month that she would prioritise the devolution of “employment policy, including the minimum wage, welfare, business taxes, national insurance and equality policy.”<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dickie |first=Mure |date=2015-05-13 |title=Nicola Sturgeon calls for more talks on devolved powers |work=Financial Times |url=https://www.ft.com/content/21a2caba-f986-11e4-97b2-00144feab7de |access-date=2023-11-02}}</ref>

In July 2015, SNP ministers called for the devolution of broadcasting to Scotland.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Macdonell |first=Hamish |date=2023-11-02 |title=Nationalists push for power over BBC in Scotland |newspaper=[[The Times]] |language=en |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/nationalists-push-for-power-over-bbc-in-scotland-ldx75c3z62m |access-date=2023-11-02 |issn=0140-0460}}</ref> The [[Scottish Trades Union Congress]] (STUC) had also proposed to the Smith Commission that broadcasting be devolved for Scotland.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-11-10 |title=Could Scotland's broadcasting be devolved? |url=https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/medialse/2014/11/10/could-scotlands-broadcasting-be-devolved/ |access-date=2023-11-02 |website=Media@LSE}}</ref> A 2014 opinion poll by What Scotland thinks showed 54% in favour with 30% opposed.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Do you believe the new powers devolved to the Scottish Parliament should include control of broadcasting policy? |url=https://www.whatscotlandthinks.org/questions/do-you-believe-the-new-powers-devolved-to-the-scottish-parliament-should-inclu-4/ |access-date=2023-11-02 |website=What Scotland Thinks |language=en-US}}</ref>

The SNP's [[2019 United Kingdom general election in Scotland|2019 general election]] manifesto called for the devolution of the following:

* Misuse of Drugs Act, so that Scotland could employ “the full range of effective public health measures” to tackle drug addiction
* migration powers for a system that "works" for the Scottish economy and society
* employment law to "protect workers’ rights, increase the living wage and end the age discrimination of the statutory living wage"
* devolution of tax powers
* powers over consumer protection
* greater devolution of gambling regulation
* Scottish parliament gender balance including quotas<ref>{{Cite web |title=STRONGER FOR SCOTLAND |url=https://s3-eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/www.snp.org/uploads/2019/11/11_27-SNP-Manifesto-2019-for-download.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-11-28 |title=SNP manifesto calls for devolution of the Misuse of Drugs Act |url=https://pharmaceutical-journal.com/article/news/snp-manifesto-calls-for-devolution-of-the-misuse-of-drugs-act |access-date=2023-11-02 |website=The Pharmaceutical Journal |language=en-US}}</ref>
In December 2022, SNP employment minister [[Richard Lochhead]] called for the replacement EU funding (UK Shared Prosperity Fund) to be fully devolved to allow "funding to flow to regions and communities in line with shared Scottish policies.”<ref>{{Cite web |title=EU replacement funding 60% shortfall |url=http://www.gov.scot/news/eu-replacement-funding-60-percent-shortfall/ |access-date=2023-11-02 |website=www.gov.scot |language=en}}</ref>

In April 2023, the SNP called for the devolution of energy powers. The Scottish parliament has control over planning regulations which can affect renewable power, but the majority of energy powers are retained with Westminster.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-25 |title=SNP call for energy powers to be devolved to Holyrood |url=https://www.thenational.scot/news/national/23478109.snp-call-energy-powers-devolved-holyrood/ |access-date=2023-11-02 |website=The National |language=en}}</ref>

In October 2023, SNP MP David Linden brought forward a bill to devolve employment law to the Scottish Parliament. The SNP did not expect the bill to pass, wanting to “expose” Labour’s position on the matter.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-17 |title=Scottish Labour MPs dodge vote on more devolution for Scotland |url=https://uk.news.yahoo.com/scottish-labour-mps-dodge-vote-125744944.html |access-date=2023-11-02 |website=Yahoo News |language=en-GB}}</ref> In the same month, the SNP also called for the devolution of inheritance tax.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bruin |first=Floris de |date=2023-10-20 |title=SNP calls for devolution of inheritance tax as Tories mull cuts |language=en-GB |work=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/tax/inheritance/snp-devolution-inheritance-tax-as-tories-mull-cut/ |access-date=2023-11-02 |issn=0307-1235}}</ref>

=== Labour proposals ===
{{Main|Federalism in the United Kingdom}}
[[Keir Starmer]], leader of the UK Labour Party is in favour of reforming the UK and has promised to do so "quickly" if a UK Labour government is elected.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-01-29 |title=Labour would reform the Union 'quickly' and without a referendum after winning power says Starmer |url=https://nation.cymru/news/labour-would-reform-the-union-quickly-and-without-a-referendum-after-winning-power-says-starmer/ |access-date=2022-03-10 |website=Nation.Cymru |language=en-GB}}</ref> Starmer has also tasked Gordon Brown, former prime minister of the UK with heading a "Constitution Commission" which would form in the event of a Labour UK government.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Starmer: Gordon Brown to lead commission "to settle the future of the union" |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/19613897.gordon-brown-lead-commission-settle-future-union----starmer/ |access-date=2022-03-10 |website=HeraldScotland |date=29 September 2021 |language=en}}</ref> Gordon Brown has suggested federalism as a viable option following Brexit and according to Tory MP Adam Tompkins, Gordon Brown wants "a reformed Britain, a new federal settlement, and further powers for a supercharged Holyrood".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Gordon |date=2017-03-28 |title=Brexit is an opportunity to make a federal United Kingdom |work=Financial Times |url=https://www.ft.com/content/c4658ba8-130a-11e7-b0c1-37e417ee6c76 |access-date=2022-03-10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dickie |first=Douglas |date=2022-03-02 |title=Scottish Unionists warned fighting indyref on 'federalism' will see the Nats win |url=https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/scottish-news/scottish-unionists-warned-fighting-indyref-26366086 |access-date=2022-03-10 |website=scottishdailyexpress |language=en}}</ref>

Brown proposed the following in 2017:

* Devolution of formerly EU regulated matters; agriculture, fisheries, environmental regulation and areas of employment and energy
* Control over £800 million European Structural and Investment funds 
* State aid regional policy
* Devolution of VAT rates
* Ability to make treaties with other countries in devolved areas<ref>{{Cite web |year=2017 |title=Gordon Brown calls for federalism to determine Scotland's future |url=https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/gordon-brown-calls-for-federalism-to-determine-scotlands-future-1142575}}</ref>

However, the Labour "New Britain" report outlined the following in December 2022:

* Ability of Scottish parliament to enter into agreements with international bodies on devolved matters
* The devolution of the job centre administration
* New, statutory, formulation of the [[Sewel convention]], which should be legally binding, providing similar constitutional codification as states and provinces in federal countries.
* A "solidarity clause” under which to ensure the commitment of all the governments in the UK to work together
* Establishment of a Council of the Nations and Regions to replace the "dysfunctional" [[Joint Ministerial Committee (UK)|Joint Ministerial Committees]]
* A second chamber of Parliament, [[Reform of the House of Lords|reforming the House of Lords]] and acting as an Assembly of the Nations and Regions<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pope |first=Conor |date=2022-12-05 |title=A New Britain: Renewing our Democracy and Rebuilding our Economy |url=https://labour.org.uk/updates/stories/a-new-britain-renewing-our-democracy-and-rebuilding-our-economy/ |access-date=2023-11-01 |website=The Labour Party |language=en-GB}}</ref>

== Changes enacted by the UK parliament ==
In an effort to safeguard the UK internal market post-Brexit and to avoid trade discrepancies or issues for goods moving within the UK, in December 2020 the [[Government of the United Kingdom|British government]] passed in parliament the [[United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020]]. Within Scotland, the Act was condemned as an affront on devolution by the governing [[Scottish National Party]], however was supported by the [[Scottish Conservatives]] and various businesses and organisations in Scotland.<ref>{{Cite web |title=UK internal market 'critical' to Scottish farming, union says |url=https://www.farminguk.com/news/uk-internal-market-critical-to-scottish-farming-union-says_56329.html |access-date=2022-10-15 |website=farminguk.com |language=en-gb}}</ref> The act can also cause the regulation of service in one part of the UK to be recognised across the whole UK. The act allows UK ministers to spend on devolved policies without the approval of the devolved parliament.<ref>{{Cite web |title=After Brexit: The UK Internal Market Act and devolution |url=http://www.gov.scot/publications/brexit-uk-internal-market-act-devolution/pages/1/ |access-date=2022-02-06 |website=gov.scot |language=en}}</ref>

In December 2022, the [[Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill|Gender Recognition Reform Bill]] was passed by the Scottish parliament.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Why is Scotland's gender recognition reform bill controversial? |url=https://news.sky.com/story/why-is-scotlands-gender-recognition-reform-bill-controversial-12788818 |access-date=2023-11-01 |website=Sky News |language=en}}</ref> In January 2023, Scottish Secretary [[Alister Jack]] used powers included in the Section 35 of the Scotland Act 1998 to block the bill from receiving [[royal assent]] and becoming law.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-08-04 |title=Scottish government loses bid to delay gender reform review |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-66409588 |access-date=2023-11-01}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Scottish Social Attitudes Survey]]
* [[Scottish Constitutional Convention]]
* [[Constitutional status of Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles]]
* [[Devolution in the United Kingdom]]
* [[Welsh devolution]]

== Further reading ==
* {{cite book|last=Brown |first=Gordon |author-link=Gordon Brown |author2=Harvie, Christopher |author-link2=Chris Harvie |title=A Voter's Guide to the Scottish Assembly |publisher=Studioscope Ltd. |year=1979 |url=http://toque.co.uk/witan/docs/BrownScotAssembly.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231102153108/http://toque.co.uk/witan/docs/BrownScotAssembly.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 November 2023 }}
*''Uncharted Territory: The Story of Scottish Devolution 1999–2009'' by Hamish Macdonell (2009)
*''The Scottish Political System Since Devolution: From New Politics to the New Scottish Government'' by Paul Cairney (2011)
* N. Lloyd-Jones, '[https://archive.today/20150318093735/http://ehr.oxfordjournals.org/content/129/539/862.abstract Liberalism, Scottish Nationalism and the Home Rule crisis, c.1886-1893]', "English Historical Review" (August 2014)
* James Wilkie, [http://www.electricscotland.com/independence/scotlandun.htm The Scotland-UN Committee and its role in obtaining Scottish Devolution].
* ''The Story of the Scottish Parliament: The First Two Decades Explained'' edited by Gerry Hassan (2019)

== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{Scottish devolution}}{{Scottish nationalism}}{{Scotland topics}}
{{Nineteenth-century Scotland}}
{{Twentieth-century Scotland}}{{Celtic nationalism}}
[[Category:Scottish devolution| ]]