Devolution Definitions

Devolution

The transfer of power (but not sovereignty) from central government to subnational institutions

(e.g. Scottish Parliament, Welsh Senedd, Northern Ireland Assembly).

Quasi-federalism

A system that resembles federalism but retains a sovereign central government (UK post-devolution is often described this way).

Asymmetrical devolution

When different nations/regions have different powers,

e.g. Scotland has more devolved powers than Wales.

Symmetrical devolution

All devolved bodies have equal powers

(not present in the UK, but useful as a contrast)

Reserved powers

Powers retained by Westminster (e.g. foreign policy, defence).

Primary legislative powers

Power to make laws in devolved areas (e.g. Scottish Parliament).

Secondary legislative powers

Power to fill in details or implement laws made by Westminster

(e.g. Welsh Assembly pre-2011).

West Lothian Question

Why MPs from devolved nations can vote on England-only laws, but English MPs can't vote on devolved matters.

English Votes for English Laws (EVEL)

A now-scrapped procedure (2015–2021) to resolve the West Lothian Question by giving English MPs a veto over England-only laws.

Scottish Parliament

Established in 1999 after 1997 referendum; has primary legislative powers, including income tax rates.

Welsh Senedd (formerly Assembly)

Gained primary legislative powers in 2011 and tax powers in 2014 (via Wales Act 2014).

Northern Ireland Assembly

Created after the 1998 Good Friday Agreement; operates under power-sharing between unionists and nationalists.

Greater London Authority

Includes an elected Mayor and London Assembly (since 2000); limited devolved powers (e.g. transport).

Good Friday Agreement (1998)

Peace agreement leading to NI devolution; required cross-community consent for legislation

Barnett Formula

Determines how much funding each devolved nation receives from the Treasury, based on spending in England.

Unitary state

A state where legal sovereignty lies with the central government (e.g. UK in theory).

Federal state

Sovereignty is divided between central and regional governments (e.g. USA, Germany).

Sewel Convention

Westminster will not normally legislate on devolved matters without the consent of devolved legislatures (convention, not legally binding).

First Minister

Head of a devolved government (e.g. Scotland's Humza Yousaf, Wales's Vaughan Gething).

Power-sharing

A system where different political communities share executive power, especially in Northern Ireland.

Regional devolution

Transferring powers to regions within England (e.g. Greater Manchester Combined Authority).

Loyalists/unionists

Group that wishes Northern Ireland to remain part of the UK.  These are sometimes associated with Protestantism.

Republican/nationalists

Group that wishes to unite with Eire and form a single united Ireland.  These are sometimes associated with Catholicism.