UK constitutional arrangement
What are the different devolved assemblies and parliaments in the UK?
Aside from the parliament at Westminster, the UK also has a number of devolved assemblies and parliaments with a host of powers transferred from the UK parliament.
Scottish Parliament
The 1997 Scottish Devolution Referendum returned a yes vote for the re-establishment of a Scottish Parliament.
When the new parliament convened in 1999, it was the first in Scotland since the signing of the Act of Union in 1707.
National Assembly for Wales
As in Scotland, the Welsh Devolution Referendum in 1997 returned a vote for a Welsh assembly.
A further referendum in 2011 voted for increased law-making powers to be transferred from the UK Parliament.
Northern Ireland Assembly
Northern Ireland has had a complicated history when it comes to running its own affairs. Home Rule came in 1921 before the parliament ended in 1972 during The time of unrest and violence in Northern Ireland between 1969 and 1998..
Over the years there were several failed attempts at restoring a devolved parliament before the 1998 Good Friday Agreement saw the creation of a new Northern Ireland Assembly.
London Assembly
The London Assembly is a body of 25 members elected by proportional representation to hold the London Mayor and the Mayor's advisors to account. They can also scrutinise public policy and financial budgets in the capital.
The Assembly can carry out investigations into issues that affect people in London including transport, policing, housing, health and the environment.
European Union
Historically the UK has also had to follow rules made in Brussels by the European Union (EU).
In June 2016 a referendum was held and the UK voted to leave the EU. The process for leaving the EU became known as The term referring to Britain voting to leave the EU. (a simplification of BRitish EXIT).
The UK left the EU on the 31st January 2020. One of the outcomes of withdrawal from the EU is that the UK no longer has to obey laws passed by the EU.