The way in which the UK is governed has changed in a major way through the devolution settlements to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Devolution to Scotland, effected by the Scotland Act 1998, has changed the way in which Scotland is governed by creating a Scottish Parliament with devolved powers within the United Kingdom. Executive power in devolved areas is exercised by the Scottish Ministers, while the UK Government at Westminster has retained direct responsibility for reserved matters, including defence and foreign affairs.
The way in which the UK is governed has changed in a major way through the devolution settlements to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Devolution to Scotland, effected by the Scotland Act 1998, has changed the way in which Scotland is governed by creating a Scottish Parliament with devolved powers within the United Kingdom. Executive power in devolved areas is exercised by the Scottish Ministers, while the UK Government at Westminster has retained direct responsibility for reserved matters, including defence and foreign affairs.
