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.
This Library Note provides information for the second reading of the Scotland Bill in the House of Lords.
Scotland Bill (HL Bill 79 of 2010-12) (344KB PDF)
This Library Note provides information for the second reading of the Scotland Bill in the House of Lords. The Note is intended to be read in conjunction with House of Commons Library Research Papers ‘Scotland Bill’ (18 January 2011, RP 11/06) and ‘Scotland Bill: Committee Stage Report’ (14 June 2011, RP 11/49), which provide background to the Bill as introduced in the House of Commons, and summarise proceedings on the Bill at second reading and committee stage. This Note summarises proceedings of the Bill’s final stages in the Commons.
Scotland Bill (HL Bill 79 of 2010-12) (344KB PDF)
This briefing explores what announcements the government could make in the King’s Speech on 13 May 2026 about devolved affairs.
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.
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.