9 Questions
What is the main purpose of devolution in the UK?
To give power to local groups or governments
In the context of UK devolution, what powers were transferred to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland?
Varying levels of power were transferred from the UK Parliament
What are some of the devolved powers to Wales listed in the text?
Economic development, education, and tourism
What is a major difference between devolution and federalism according to the text?
'Power is merely lent' under devolution
Which part of the UK held a successful referendum on devolution in the late 1990s according to the text?
Wales
What powers are reserved from Wales and Scotland by Westminster?
'Constitutional matters', defence, and foreign policy
What led to the establishment of separate Parliaments or Assemblies in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland?
Successful referendums on devolution in the late 1990s
'Some powers reserved from Wales and Scotland by Westminster' include which of the following according to the text?
'Health and social services' in Wales
'Federalism divides power constitutionally between two levels' whereas devolution does what?
'Merely lends power with central authority'
Study Notes
Wales Overview
- Part of the UK, located west of England, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea
- Capital: Cardiff
- Official languages: English, Welsh
- Area: 20,779 km2
- Population: 3,063,500 (2011 census)
- Other major towns: Swansea, Newport
- Patron Saint: St. David
- National symbols: the leek, the daffodil
Welsh History
- 1282: Death of Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, the last prince of Wales
- 1536: Act of Union passed between England and Wales
- 19th century: Industrialisation (coal and slate mining)
- 1979: First vote on devolution (unsuccessful)
- 1997: Second vote on devolution (establishment of National Assembly)
- 2016: Wales votes in favour of Brexit (52.5%)
Government and Religion
- Devolved government in a constitutional monarchy
- Devolved parliament: Senedd Cymru/Welsh Parliament
- Monarch: Charles III
- First minister: Mark Drakeford (Welsh Labour party)
- Largest religious group: Christianity (57.6%)
- No religious affiliation: 32.1%
- Non-Christian religions: 2.7% (Islam: 1.5%)
The Welsh Language
- Celtic language (P-Celtic/Gallo-Brittonic)
- Closely connected to Cornish and Breton languages
- Minority language
- Welsh Language Act 1993/Government of Wales Act 1998: English and Welsh are treated on an equal basis
- Main language is English
- Welsh spoken by ca. 500,000 people (20% of the Welsh population)
Plaid Cymru (Party of Wales)
- Political party seeking self-government for Wales
- Works for the protection and promotion of Welsh language, culture, and traditions
- Left-wing party advocating an independent Wales but member of EU
- Current party leader: Adam Price
- Founded in 1925 in response to the threat to Welsh language and culture
- Overall theme of the party’s policies is decentralisation of power
- Currently holds 13 out of 60 seats in the Welsh Parliament
Plaid Cymru's Policies and Aims
- Protecting and investing in local hospitals
- Preserving jobs through supporting home-grown businesses
- Delivering an innovative Welsh language news service and a Welsh-medium education strategy
- Creating affordable housing and investing in broadband links
- Secure independence for Wales in Europe
- Ensure economic prosperity, social justice, and the health of the natural environment based on decentralist socialism
Test your knowledge on Welsh devolution and the Tryweryn Valley incident, where the flooding of the valley led to the creation of a graffitied stone wall as a reminder. Learn about the necessity of devolution and basic information about Wales being part of the UK and bordered by the sea on three sides.
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