What Are The Details Of Referendums Held Regarding Devolution In Scotland And Wales?

In 1979, the Scottish and Welsh voted on whether or not they wanted devolution. There was a need for 40 per cent of the electors as a whole to vote in favour of devolution for an Act of Parliament to be implemented. In Scotland, most voted in favour but, because of low turnout, they didn't get 40 per cent and the Scotland Act was repealed. In Wales, there was little support for the move and the Wales Act was repealed there.

In 1997, support for devolution was greater than in 1979 in both countries. Labour said first that they would grant Scotland and Wales devolved powers in 1992 and then said it would hold referendums. Scotland voted in favour of both setting up a new assembly for Scotland and that the new assembly should have tax varying powers. Wales voted "yes" to an assembly from a turnout of just 50.1 per cent.