Devolution

• What is the term for the transfer of powers from Central Government to lower levels of government?

  Devolution
• What are the Crown Dependencies mentioned in the study material?

  Isle of Man, Guernsey, and Jersey
• What do Crown Dependencies rely on the UK for?

  Defence and foreign relations
• Are Crown Dependencies part of the United Kingdom?

  No
• What must NCTJ exam candidates be aware of regarding devolution?

  The extent of devolved powers in England
• What significant differences may arise due to devolution?

  Differences in policies and government structures
• What are the key aspects to consider when looking at devolution?

  • Identify current devolution issues
  • Find sources for devolution stories
  • Consider relevant questions and contacts
• What is the definition of devolution?

  Transfer of powers from Central Government to lower government
• What is the statutory transfer of power in the UK context?

  From Westminster to separate nations of the UK
• What is the aim of devolution?

  To move decision-making closer to the people
• How is regional devolution achieved in England?

  Through transfer of powers to elected mayors
• What is the structure of devolution in the UK?

  Separate legislatures and executives in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
• What are devolved powers?

  Powers to make laws and deliver public services
• What are reserved powers?

  Powers retained by the UK Parliament
• Name the three devolved administrations in the UK.

  Welsh Government, NI Executive, Scottish Government
• What is the Welsh Parliament also known as?

  Senedd Cymru
• Where is the Scottish Parliament located?

  Edinburgh
• What is the role of the Joint Ministerial Committee?

  To ensure successful devolution among administrations
• What are some problems with devolution?

  Complex settlements and partial devolution
• What matters are devolved in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland?

  Health, education, local government, and more
• What matters are reserved to the UK Government?

  Defence, foreign affairs, and immigration
• Why is it important to know about devolved and reserved powers?

  To determine whom to contact for policy matters
• What distinguishes devolution from independence?

  Devolution grants certain powers, not sovereignty
• What happens if independence is granted to a devolved nation?

  It would break up the United Kingdom
• What is the significance of the powers granted to devolved nations?

  They can be revoked by the UK Parliament
• What historical events led to the current devolution in the UK?

  Union with Scotland, Ireland, and the Easter Rising
• What is a republic?

  A nation where power is with the population
• What was the outcome of the 1978 Scottish devolution referendum?

  Majority voted in favor, but failed threshold
• What powers does the Scottish Parliament have regarding taxation?

  Power to vary income tax rates
• What was the result of the 2014 Scottish independence referendum?

  YES: 44.7%, NO: 55.5%
• What impact did Brexit have on Scottish devolution?

  Increased calls for another independence referendum
• What is the West Lothian Question?

  Scottish MPs voting on English-only matters
• What was the outcome of the 1998 devolution referendum in Wales?

  Wafer-thin vote in favor of devolution
• What are the devolved powers in Wales?

  Education, health, housing, and more
• What is a current devolution topic in Wales?

  Policing has not been devolved
• What historical context complicates devolution in Northern Ireland?

  Political history and partition of Ireland
• What agreement established the Northern Ireland Assembly?

  Good Friday Agreement of 1998
• What is the role of the Northern Ireland Assembly?

  To make laws on transferred matters
• What is the significance of the Stormont Stalemate?

  Assembly frequently suspended due to policy rows
• Who was due to be the first nationalist First Minister of Northern Ireland?

  Michelle O’Neill