Is devolution good for democracy? The United Kingdom may not be too far from welcoming its newest nation. Some think it is time for the whole country to get more decentralised.
‘Make Cornwall the fifth UK nation’
Celtic charms: Kernow's unique culture is a feast for the senses, from Cornish pasties (top left), to the black and white flag of St Piran, to jam-first scones and the revival of the Cornish language. Comprehension quiz
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What is the definition of “devolved powers” as used in the article?
A: Powers given to a region to elect its own monarch.
B: The ability for a region to have its own legislatures and governments to pass laws in certain areas.
C: The complete independence of a region from the central government.
D: Powers that allow a region to control its entire economy and military.
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Which word is the closest synonym for “gained”?
A: Retained
B: Acquired
C: Weakened
D: Transformed
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Having read the article, identify two historical reasons why Cornwall has a unique character.
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According to the article, what is the main economic challenge facing Cornwall, and what has this led to?
A: A decline in the mining industry, causing a lack of jobs for locals.
B: An over-reliance on tourism, which has caused local homes to be converted into second homes and Airbnbs, leading to resentment among residents.
C: A low median wage compared to England, resulting in a mass exodus of young people from the region.
D: The high cost of living, which has made it difficult for tourists to afford holidays there.
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In your own words, summarise the arguments for further devolution in the UK, as presented in the article.
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Which of the following statements best summarises the opposing arguments about devolution?
A: Devolution can lead to economic growth and better local governance, but it risks creating single-party states and weakening national unity.
B: Devolution is a process that has only been successful in Scotland and Wales, and it should not be expanded to other regions like Cornwall.
C: Opponents of devolution believe it is too expensive to implement, while supporters argue it is a cost-effective way to manage regional affairs.
D: Both supporters and opponents of devolution agree that it is a positive step for democracy, but they disagree on the speed at which it should be implemented.
Answers
Tap to reveal
1. B, 2. B, 3. It was historically administered separately from the rest of the country as the Duchy of Cornwall, and It maintained its own customs and language. 4. B, 5. The article presents several arguments both for and against further devolution., 6. A.
1. B, 2. B, 3. It was historically administered separately from the rest of the country as the Duchy of Cornwall, and It maintained its own customs and language. 4. B, 5. The article presents several arguments both for and against further devolution., 6. A.
Glossary
Levantine - Relating to the Levant, a region in the eastern Mediterranean including Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Israel, and Palestine, or to the people who live (or lived) there.
Node - A point in a system where things connect.
Legislatures - Law-making bodies.
Anglo-Saxons - Germanic-speaking tribes – mainly the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes – who migrated to Britain from Northern Europe, particularly from what are now Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands, following the Roman withdrawal around the 5th century AD.
Autonomy - The right to make your own decisions.
GDP - Short for Gross Domestic Product, the measure of all the goods and services produced inside a country.
Median - The median is the middle point in a group of numbers: half of the numbers are smaller than the median and half are larger.
Catalyst - A substance able to increase the rate of a chemical reaction without itself being consumed or changed by the reacting chemicals.
SNP - The Scottish National Party, a Scottish political party which advocates for Scottish independence.
Labour - Britain's main left-of-centre political party.