Devolution to English Cities

Documents to download

King’s Speech 2026: Devolved affairs

This briefing explores what announcements the government could make in the King’s Speech on 13 May 2026 about devolved affairs.
- Devolution
- Local Government
Draft Chemicals (Health and Safety) (Amendment, Consequential and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2026: Fatal motion

The draft Chemicals (Health and Safety) (Amendment, Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2026 would make changes to three sets of assimilated regulations which concern chemicals in Great Britain. The government has said that the changes would rectify a number of issues that could not be addressed at EU exit. However, concerns have been raised about the potential impact on Northern Ireland, divergence from the EU, efficiency savings and further legislation.
Strengthening Northern Ireland’s voice in the context of the Windsor Framework: Lords Northern Ireland Scrutiny Committee report

The House of Lords Northern Ireland Scrutiny Committee published a report in October 2025 examining how Northern Ireland politicians and stakeholders can participate in the Windsor Framework structures. Its findings overlapped with those of an independent review of the Windsor Framework commissioned by the government. In response, the government set out how it was working to engage stakeholders and facilitate democratic scrutiny. It is also creating a new ‘one stop shop’ to help businesses understand the rules that apply under the Windsor Framework.