devolution

Question 1

what is devolution

Answer 1

the transfer of power from a greater to a lesser body

Question 2

how has the UK devolved power

Answer 2

Westminster parliament agreed to establish various forms of national and regional govs such as the northern ireland assembly or the national party in scotland.

Question 3

what limits the power of devolved bodies

Answer 3

they have no constitutional right to exist and therefore could be abolished or their power and authority changed

Question 4

devolved powers are…

Answer 4

decisions made by the UK parliament in the past that are now handed over to devolved bodies eg the scottish and welsh parliaments are now responsible for their own health services

Question 5

what are reserved powers

Answer 5

powers still held by the UK on behalf of all of the UK eg defence or foreign policy

Question 6

examples of devolved powers

Answer 6

scotland has own laws on abortion
NI has its own civil service

all have control over housing and transport

Question 7

debate around devolution in the UK

Answer 7

• demand for an english parliament
• scottish MPs can vote in westminster but not the other way around
• councils should combine and form regional bodies with directly elected mayors
• english votes for english laws (EVEL), introduced by conservatives in 2015, abolished in 2021