| Devolution is the transfer of Whitehall powers in areas like education and health - but not, for example, defence - to the UK's nations and regions. The scope of those powers differs between each political institution. Scotland has the most power followed by Northern Ireland, Wales, London and the planned English regional assemblies. Backers say democracy is improved by devolution as people gain more control of their own affairs, but critics say it is costly and divisive.
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