How has the process of devolution affected nationalism in the UK?
Scottish nationalism has largely been appeased – there are now fewer calls for the complete separation of Scotland from England. But there are those who will still argue that Scotland is being exploited by England. Wales is a similar story. Welsh nationalism is a form of cultural nationalism which aims to protect the Welsh culture from English dominance. Seeing as the Welsh assembly have control over the cultural affairs, especially the Welsh language, there has been a reduction in Welsh nationalism. However, it could also be argued that devolution has increased nationalism in the UK. For example, the SNP now has majority in the Scottish parliament. It could also be argued that it has caused the rise of English nationalism which has not really existed since the 17th century. But issues such as the West Lothian Question have brought English nationalism to a slightly more prominent position.
