Devolution and the United Kingdom

About the lecture

In this module we outline what devolution is, focusing in particular on: (i) how it differs from federalism; (ii) the different forms of devolution across the UK and their historical origins; (iii) the purpose of devolution; (iv) the idea that, ultimately, authority lies with the central Parliament in Westminster; (v) the all-important Sewel Convention, which states that the UK Parliament will ‘not normally legislate with regard to devolved matters’; (vi) some key terminology, including the distinctions between legislative, administrative, symmetrical and asymmetrical forms of devolved and federated systems.

About the lecturer

Nicola McEwen has published widely in the field of territorial politics, nationalism, devolution, and multi-level parties and elections. She is actively involved in informing debate within the wider policy and political community. She frequently provides expert media commentary and advice to parliamentarians and governments and is Co-Director of the Centre on Constitutional Change. Other recent research projects include an ESRC Senior Scotland Fellowship exploring the implications of Scottish independence for cross-border relations. She is also a Fellow of the Constitution Unit at University College London.