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Devolution of Power in the United Kingdom

Since the late 1990s, some power has been transferred from the UK parliament and the UK government to legislative and executive bodies in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales. Transferring power from a central authority in this way is called devolution.
Photo: We see a large hall where the main material is wood. There is auditorium seating in a semicircle facing a desk.
Inside the Scottish Parliament. Image: Andrew Milligan / CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

Devolution of Power in the United Kingdom

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Audio: Radio Metro AS / CC BY-SA 4.0

Why transfer power?

Transferring power is a way of ensuring that decisions are made closer to the people, communities, and businesses they affect. It is seen as more democratic than leaving decisions up to a central authority. It is also a way of reducing friction between the different countries that make up the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

How did devolution begin?

In 1997, voters decided that Scotland and Wales were to get their own parliaments. The decision to create a parliament for Northern Ireland was a central component of the Good Friday Agreement, which ended decades of violent conflict. A referendum was held in 1998 to confirm that voters were behind the decision to establish an assembly in Northern Ireland.

Photo: We see a large stone building in an old-fashioned style. It has a central part with stairs leading up to a front building with columns.
The National Assembly in Northern Ireland is housed in Stormont Palace in Belfast. Image: FlickreviewR / CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

How does devolution work?

Devolution means that there are now four different executive and legislative authorities in the UK. The Parliament and government in London have retained power over defence, foreign affairs, immigration, trade policy, the constitution, and broadcasting.

Photo: We see a circle of tables and seats. There are rows of computers on the tables. Inside the circle is a small half circle. Wood is the dominating material used in the building.
Inside the Welsh Parliament, which is called Senedd Cymru in Welsh. Image: Julian Nyca / CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

The parliaments in Northern Ireland and Scotland and the Assembly in Wales have been given power over health and social care, education and training, local government, agriculture, forestry and fisheries, transport, justice and policing, and sports and the arts. In addition, they are allowed to levy some taxes and handle some social security elements. For England, these areas are handled by the central parliament and government.

The four administrations speak to each other to make sure things run smoothly. They have various channels of communication, for example the Joint Ministerial Committee, where issues can be discussed.

Check your understanding:

Work with partners and answer the questions below.

  1. What is meant by the word 'devolution'?

  2. How long has Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland had their own parliaments?

  3. Over what areas have these parliaments been given power?

  4. What are the advantages of moving power from a central authority to regional authorities?

  5. Why do you think England does not have its own parliament?

Sources:

The UK Government, "Devolution Factsheet". Link to pdf file of factsheet about devolution from the UK government.

BBC, 2021, "Devolution: What is it and how does it work across the UK?" Link to BBC's website, article about devolution.

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