This page explains the different roles of the Scottish Parliament and European Parliament.
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The Scottish Parliament |
The European Parliament |
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| Where? |
Scotland
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The European Union (EU)
Currently there are 28 countries in the EU, including the UK
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How many chambers?
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One chamber
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One chamber
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How many members?
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129 Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs)
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751 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs)
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How many members represent Scotland?
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129 MSPs representing you on devolved matters
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6 MEPs represent you in the European Parliament on EU wide issues which can be either devolved or reserved
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Who does it scrutinise?
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The Scottish Government and its agencies
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The other EU institutions such as the European Commission
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How are members elected?
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73 constituency MSPs are elected by the first past the post system
56 regional MSPs are elected by proportional representation
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751 MEPs are elected under some form of proportional representation (differences exist in the voting methods used by Member States)
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| When are elections? |
The most recent Scottish Parliament election was held on 5 May 2016
Under the Scottish Parliament Elections (Dates) Act 2016, the next Scottish Parliament elections are scheduled to take place on 6 May 2021.
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Elections every 5 years
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So how does it work?
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Scottish Parliament |
European Parliament |
| Devolved or reserved? |
Devolved matters |
European Union (EU-wide) issues, which can be either devolved or reserved matters |
| Who proposes laws? |
The Scottish Government
Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs)
Committees of the Scottish Parliament
Private companies, individuals or groups
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The European Commission only |
| Who examines the laws? |
The Scottish Parliament
Committees of the Scottish Parliament
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The European Parliament
The Council of Ministers
Committees of the European Parliament
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| Who has the final say? |
MSPs |
MEPs (though it must be implemented on a national level)
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| Who implements the laws? |
The Scottish Government |
National Governments (could be the Scottish or the UK Government, depending on whether the issue is devolved or reserved) |
Did you know?
All 6 MEPs for Scotland represent you regardless of where you live in Scotland.
You can find out which MEPs represent you here.
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