Queen Anne Withholds Royal Assent from the Scottish Militia Bill

On March 11, 1708, Queen Anne made a significant decision by withholding Royal Assent from the Scottish Militia Bill. This event is historically notable as it marks the last time a British monarch exercised the royal veto over parliamentary legislation.

Context and Background

The early 18th century was a period of political tension and transformation in Britain. The Act of Union in 1707 had unified the Kingdoms of England and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain. This union brought about complex political and military challenges, particularly concerning the defense and governance of Scotland.

The Scottish Militia Bill was introduced to establish a militia in Scotland, similar to the existing English militia. The proposal aimed to bolster local defenses amidst fears of a Jacobite uprising and potential French invasion. The Jacobites, supporters of the deposed Stuart king James II and his descendants, posed a continuous threat to the stability of the newly formed union.

The Decision

Queen Anne’s decision to withhold Royal Assent was influenced by several factors:

1. Security Concerns: There were significant fears that arming a Scottish militia could inadvertently support Jacobite sympathizers, who might use the opportunity to rebel against the Hanoverian succession.

2. Political Pressure: Anne’s advisors, particularly those aligned with the Whig party, were wary of the potential for unrest and advised against empowering a Scottish militia that could be unreliable in its loyalties.

3. Strategic Considerations: The ongoing War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714) required careful management of military resources and alliances, and the establishment of a Scottish militia was seen as a potential risk.

Aftermath and Significance

The withholding of Royal Assent was a rare exercise of monarchical power, reflecting the delicate balance between the Crown and Parliament. Over time, the power of the monarchy to veto legislation diminished, with the role of the monarch becoming more ceremonial in nature.

The decision also underscored the complexities of integrating Scotland into the British political framework and highlighted the persistent Jacobite threat. The concerns that led to the veto were not unfounded, as the Jacobite rising of 1715 would soon follow, confirming the precariousness of the political situation.

In the broader historical context, this event illustrates the gradual shift towards parliamentary sovereignty in Britain, as the power dynamics between the monarchy and Parliament evolved. The withholding of Royal Assent in 1708 remains a pivotal moment in the constitutional history of the United Kingdom.