Robert Dunn The Scottish Government International Division
Some key dates 1997: Labour Party comes to power in the UK. 1997: Referendum held in Scotland. 1998: Scotland Act passed by UK Parliament. 1999: First elections to the new Scottish Parliament. 2012: Scotland Act revision. 2014: Independence referendum and the Smith Commission.
The Scottish Parliament The Parliament passes both primary and secondary legislation on devolved subjects.
Members of the Scottish Parliament Elections, 1 st Thursday May 4 year cycle, set electoral term 129 members of Parliament 65 seats in Parliament, simple majority 73 constituency members (“first past the post”) 56 additional members selected from 8 regional lists (proportional representation)
Current MSPs and Parities SNP 64 Labour 38 Conservative 15 Lib Dems 5 Greens 2 Independent 3 No party Affiliation 1 Presiding Officer 1
The Scottish Parliament: How it works. Open, accessible and accountable 17 Strong Committee structure Economy, Energy and Tourism, Finance, Education and Culture, European and External Relations, Health and Sport, Justice, Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment, Welfare Reform, Devolution (further powers) etc. Central role in the work of the Parliament Take evidence from witnesses, scrutinise legislation and conduct inquires
Scotland’s Government First Minister Cabinet Government 9 Cabinet Secretaries (including DFM) Infrastructure, Investment and Cities, Finance, Constitution and Economy, Education and Lifelong Learning, Justice, Rural Affairs, Food and Environment, Health, Wellbeing and Sport, Culture, Europe and External Affairs, Social justice, Communities and Pensioners’ Rights and Fair Work, Skills and Training. 13 Ministers (supporting Cabinet Secretaries)
Civil Service Officials Responsible for providing support to Scottish Government Cabinet & Ministers Approx 4000 staff in the Scottish Government Scottish Government budget of approx £30 billion
Reserved and Devolved Powers
Main Devolved Areas for the Scottish Government Health Justice Education and Training Local Government Business support Agriculture and the Environment Transport Tourism, Sport and Heritage
Scottish Local Authorities Scotland has 32 Local Councils Receive funds from The Scottish Government Raise some local taxes “Council Tax” Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA)
Scottish Legal System Scotland retains its own separate legal system Its own Judiciary Its own courts 2 Law Officers Lord Advocate and the Solicitor General Hold Ministerial Office Not – Political
Scotland in the UK Scotland remains part of the UK The Queen is the Head of State The UK Parliament remains sovereign Scotland elects 59 Scottish MPs to Westminster at UK General Elections The Secretary of State for Scotland represents Scotland’s interest within the UK Government
Scotland and the World The Scottish Government has Scottish Affairs Offices in Washington D.C and Beijing, both within the British Embassies. 2 nd Secretary in Toronto Scottish Development International (SDI) is Scotland’s business and investment agency and has offices in: India, Asia/Pacific (Japan, China, South Korea, Taiwan and Singapore), Europe, The Gulf, North America and Africa.
More Information ? Contact: Robert Dunn Robert.dunn@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
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