Scotland’s Vote for Devolution: September 11, 1997

On September 11, 1997, a significant event in the political history of the United Kingdom took place: the people of Scotland voted in a referendum to establish their own Parliament for the first time in nearly three centuries. This decision marked a pivotal moment in the process known as devolution, which aimed to grant Scotland greater autonomy while remaining part of the United Kingdom.

Historical Context

The Act of Union in 1707 had unified the Parliaments of Scotland and England, creating the Kingdom of Great Britain. For nearly 290 years, Scotland was governed directly from Westminster, with no separate legislative body of its own. However, throughout the 20th century, there was growing sentiment in Scotland for greater self-governance, fueled by cultural, economic, and political factors.

The push for devolution gained momentum in the latter half of the 20th century, particularly with the establishment of the Scottish National Party (SNP) in 1934, which advocated for Scottish independence. The idea of a devolved Scottish Parliament was first put to a referendum in 1979, but it failed to achieve the necessary support.

The 1997 Referendum

The Labour Party, under the leadership of Tony Blair, came to power in 1997 with a manifesto commitment to devolution. The Scottish devolution referendum was held on September 11, 1997, asking voters two questions:

1. Whether they agreed that there should be a Scottish Parliament.
2. Whether they agreed that the Scottish Parliament should have tax-varying powers.

The results were decisive:

• Question 1: 74.3% voted in favor of establishing a Scottish Parliament.
• Question 2: 63.5% supported granting the Parliament tax-varying powers.

The high voter turnout and the clear majority in favor of both propositions underscored the strong desire among Scots for greater control over their domestic affairs.

Establishment of the Scottish Parliament

Following the referendum, the UK Parliament passed the Scotland Act 1998, which laid the groundwork for the establishment of the Scottish Parliament. The first elections were held in 1999, and the Parliament convened for the first time on July 1, 1999, in Edinburgh.

The Scottish Parliament was granted powers over a range of domestic issues, including education, health, environment, and justice, while the UK Parliament retained control over reserved matters such as defense, foreign affairs, and fiscal policy.

Broader Historical Significance

The successful devolution of power to Scotland was a landmark in the constitutional history of the United Kingdom. It represented a shift towards a more decentralized form of governance and set a precedent for similar devolution processes in Wales and Northern Ireland.

The establishment of the Scottish Parliament has had lasting political and cultural impacts, contributing to a renewed sense of Scottish identity and influencing debates on further devolution and independence. The 1997 referendum and its outcomes remain a crucial chapter in the ongoing discussion about the future of the United Kingdom’s constitutional arrangement.