The lesson
The Welsh Parliament, called the Senedd, meets in Cardiff Bay in Cardiff, the capital of Wales. Learn both connections: Wales → Cardiff; Senedd → Cardiff Bay.
Devolution transfers responsibility for some decisions from the UK Parliament to institutions in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Each has its own devolved legislature and government, with powers that differ between the nations.
Some matters, including defence and foreign affairs, remain the responsibility of the UK government. Areas such as health and education are devolved to varying degrees, so policy can differ across the UK. Institutional arrangements and seat numbers can change.
The Senedd is the Welsh Parliament. Since the 7 May 2026 election it has 96 Members of the Senedd (MSs), elected from 16 constituencies with six Members each. Earlier material describes a 60-member Senedd; this historical figure belongs to the previous arrangement.
The Scottish Parliament has 129 Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) and meets at Holyrood in Edinburgh. Voters in its elections must be registered at an address in Scotland and aged 16 or over on polling day. British and Irish citizens, and qualifying foreign nationals with permission to enter or stay in the UK or who do not need it, can vote if otherwise eligible.
Devolution means that some responsibilities are exercised by elected institutions in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland rather than solely by the UK Parliament. Matters such as defence and foreign affairs remain UK responsibilities. The exact division of powers differs between the devolved systems.
The Scottish Parliament is in Edinburgh and has 129 Members of the Scottish Parliament. The Welsh Parliament, or Senedd, is in Cardiff and has 96 Members following the May 2026 election. The Northern Ireland Assembly is in Belfast and has 90 Members of the Legislative Assembly.
The devolved government and the elected legislature are not the same institution. A First Minister leads a devolved government; elected members scrutinise it and make decisions within their powers. Devolution is also different from independence: the countries remain within the UK.
Members of the Scottish Parliament meet at Holyrood in Edinburgh. Members of the Senedd meet in Cardiff Bay. Northern Ireland’s MLAs meet at Stormont in Belfast. Devolved governments are led by First Ministers; Northern Ireland uses power-sharing arrangements. Members can scrutinise their governments and legislate in devolved fields such as health and education. Public galleries and visitor services allow people to see parliamentary work; check each legislature’s current visiting arrangements.