Devolution

What is devolution?

Transferring legislative powers from a central parliament to a local or regional legislature.

When was power devolved to Scotland and Wales?

In 1997.

When was power devolved to Northern Ireland?

In 1998 following a referendum on the Good Friday Agreement.

What powers were devolved to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland?

Powers over agriculture, employment, social services, culture, environment, sport, tourism, education, health, and transport.

Which powers were not devolved to the regions?

Defence, energy, foreign policy, and nationality.

What are devolved powers?

Powers that the devolved legislatures can use.

What are reserved powers?

Powers that reside in Westminster.

How does the UK's devolution differ from the US model of federalism?

In the UK, devolved powers can be altered or removed by Westminster, while in the US, powers are constitutionally protected.

Has devolution been successful?

Yes, the UK remains united, devolved powers are popular, and peace has been secured in Northern Ireland.

What evidence suggests devolution has been successful?

Increased Welsh interest in devolution, greater regional identity from elected mayors, and no major parties suggesting removal of devolved powers.

What are some criticisms of devolution?

Increased desire for Scottish independence, unresolved West Lothian question, low interest and turnout in regional elections, and perceived neglect of England.

What is the West Lothian question?

The issue of whether MPs from Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland should vote on matters that only affect England.

What has been the impact of elected mayors in England?

They have led to greater regional identity.

What has been the trend in voter turnout for regional elections?

Low turnout has been observed.

What has increased in Wales as a result of devolution?

Interest in devolution and demand for greater power to the assembly.

What event established devolution in Scotland?

A referendum in 1997 where 74.3% of voters supported the creation of a devolved legislature.

When was the Scottish Parliament formally created?

By the Scotland Act 1998, which began operating in 1999.

Where is the Scottish Parliament based?

Holyrood, Edinburgh.

How many Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) are there?

129 Members.

How often are MSPs elected?

Every five years.

What electoral system is used to elect MSPs?

The Additional Member System (AMS), which combines First Past the Post (FPTP) and proportional representation.

What are devolved powers in Scotland?

Powers granted to the Scottish Parliament, while certain matters remain reserved to Westminster.

List three key areas under the control of the Scottish Government.

Agriculture, education, health.

What did the Scotland Act 1998 grant?

Primary legislative power and income tax varying power of 3p.

What change did the Scotland Act 2012 introduce?

Increased tax varying power to 10p.

What additional powers were granted by the Scotland Act 2016?

More powers over transport, energy, social security, and income tax rates.

What significant policy has the Scottish Government implemented regarding education?

Free university tuition.

What is the voting age for Scottish Parliament elections?

16 years old, following changes made under the 2016 Act.

What was the outcome of the 2014 independence referendum in Scotland?

55% voted to remain in the UK.

Which party currently governs Scotland as a minority administration?

The Scottish National Party (SNP).

What is a key political issue in Scotland following the Brexit vote?

Independence and the push for a second referendum by the SNP.

How has the SNP adjusted income tax for top earners?

Introduced a higher rate of income tax compared to the rest of the UK.

Which party does the SNP often cooperate with in the Scottish Parliament?

The Scottish Greens.

What event marked the beginning of devolution in Wales?

A narrow referendum in 1997, where 50.3% of voters supported the creation of a Welsh legislature.

What is the current name of the Welsh Assembly?

Senedd Cymru or the Welsh Parliament.

When was the Welsh Assembly established?

In 1999 under the Government of Wales Act 1998.

What significant powers were granted to the Welsh Assembly by the Government of Wales Act 2006?

Law-making powers in specific areas.

What did the 2011 referendum allow the Welsh Assembly to do?

Pass primary legislation without needing approval from Westminster.

What areas gained further powers under the Wales Acts 2014 and 2017?

Control over income tax rates, transport, elections, and energy.

Who is the head of the Welsh Government?

The First Minister.

How is the First Minister of Wales appointed?

By the Crown after being nominated by Members of the Senedd.

What are the key roles of the Welsh First Minister?

Leading the Welsh Cabinet, representing Wales in discussions, overseeing devolved areas, and managing finances.

What is the composition of the Welsh Cabinet?

The First Minister, Cabinet Secretaries, and junior ministers appointed by the First Minister.

What principle does the Welsh Government follow regarding Cabinet decisions?

Collective responsibility, meaning members must publicly support decisions.

How many Members of the Senedd (MSs) are there?

60 Members.

What electoral system is used to elect Members of the Senedd?

The Additional Member System (AMS), combining first-past-the-post and regional proportional representation.

What is the legislative process in the Senedd?

Introduction of a Bill, scrutiny in committee, plenary debates, final vote, and royal assent.

What types of committees exist in the Senedd?

Policy and Legislation Committees, Finance Committee, and Public Accounts Committee.

What is the purpose of plenary sessions in the Senedd?

To debate bills, hold First Minister's Questions, discuss motions, and vote on legislation.

What roles do Members of the Senedd (MSs) have?

Legislating, representing constituents, participating in committees, and holding the government accountable.

What role does the Opposition play in the Senedd?

Scrutinising government policy and offering alternative ideas.

What are some methods of scrutiny in the Senedd?

First Minister's Questions, ministerial questions, committees, public petitions, and reports.

What are some strengths of the Senedd?

Greater transparency, detailed scrutiny through committees, and broader representation due to AMS.

What are some weaknesses of the Senedd?

Limited number of MSs can restrict scrutiny, government dominance in the legislative agenda, and limited media coverage.

What powers were granted to the Welsh Assembly by the Wales Act 1998?

Secondary legislative powers.

What was the outcome of the 2011 devolution referendum?

The assembly gained direct powers in 20 areas, including health and education.

What distinctive policy did the Senedd introduce regarding the environment?

A ban on plastic bags before the rest of the UK.

What health policy was introduced by the Senedd in 2015?

An opt-out system for organ donation.

What is the current political landscape in the Senedd as of August 2025?

Labour governs as a minority administration, often relying on support from Plaid Cymru.

What agreement established devolution in Northern Ireland?

The Good Friday Agreement (1998)

What was the primary purpose of the Good Friday Agreement?

To bring an end to 'The Troubles', a violent conflict between Unionists and Nationalists.

What is the Northern Ireland Assembly?

A devolved legislature created by the Northern Ireland Act 1998, based at Stormont, Belfast.

How many Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) are in the Northern Ireland Assembly?

90 MLAs

What voting system is used to elect MLAs in Northern Ireland?

Single Transferable Vote (STV)

What is the unique feature of the power-sharing executive in Northern Ireland?

The First Minister is nominated by the largest party and the Deputy First Minister by the second largest party, both must serve jointly.

What formula is used to allocate ministerial positions in the Northern Ireland Executive?

The D'Hondt formula

What party holds the most seats in the Northern Ireland Assembly as of June 2025?

Sinn Féin (27 seats)

Which party is the second largest in the Northern Ireland Assembly as of June 2025?

Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) with 25 seats

What are some key policy areas where the Northern Ireland Assembly can legislate?

Agriculture, economic development, education, employment, environment, health, housing, justice, local government, policing, sport, transport, welfare.

What tax-raising power was devolved to Northern Ireland in 2015?

Corporation tax

What caused the collapse of the Northern Ireland Executive from 2017 to 2020?

The resignation of Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness over a green energy scandal.

What was the outcome of the Executive's brief power-sharing from 2020 to 2022?

Paul Givan (DUP) served as First Minister.

What triggered the collapse of the Executive again in 2022?

Givan's resignation in protest over the Northern Ireland Protocol.

What is the Windsor Framework?

A revised Brexit trade agreement signed in 2023 to ease trade tensions.

What significant milestone occurred on February 3, 2024, in Northern Ireland's political history?

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin) became Northern Ireland's first nationalist First Minister.

What is the West Lothian Question?

It questions the fairness of non-English MPs voting on English matters while English MPs have no say in devolved matters in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

What parliamentary procedure was introduced in 2015 to address the West Lothian Question?

English Votes for English Laws (EVEL)

What was the purpose of EVEL?

To restrict non-English MPs from voting on legislation that applied solely to England.

When was EVEL suspended and subsequently abolished?

Suspended in 2020 and abolished in 2021.

What did the suspension of EVEL indicate about the governance of England?

It highlighted the unresolved constitutional imbalance and lack of a formal system for English-only legislation.

How is power devolved in England without a national parliament?

Through local government structures and directly elected mayors.

What legislation allowed for the creation of combined authorities and Metro Mayors?

The Cities and Local Government Devolution Act 2016.

What are some responsibilities of Metro Mayors?

Oversight of transport, housing and planning, economic development, skills and training, and public health.

Name a prominent Metro Mayor and their area of governance.

Andy Burnham - Greater Manchester, focusing on integrated transport.

What is the Greater London Authority (GLA)?

An advanced form of regional governance in London created in 2000, consisting of the Mayor of London and the London Assembly.

What are the responsibilities of the GLA?

Transport, policing and safety, housing, planning, and the environment.

How many members are in the London Assembly?

25 members elected using the Additional Member System (AMS).

What is the role of Transport for London?

To manage transport in London under the Greater London Authority.

What is the significance of the London model in terms of devolution?

It is often cited as an example of what a devolved English system might look like nationally.

What challenges does the asymmetrical governance in the UK present?

Questions of fairness and representation among different regions.

What is a Metro Mayor?

A directly elected mayor leading a combined authority in a metropolitan area.

What is the impact of devolution on English governance?

It has created a patchwork of governance structures without a unified national parliament.

What are combined authorities?

Regional governance structures created to enhance local decision-making and coordination.

What does EVEL stand for?

English Votes for English Laws.

What was a key reason for the introduction of EVEL?

To address the democratic imbalance created by devolution in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.