In UK devolution, what are reserved powers?

• A. Powers retained by the UK Parliament and government (defense, foreign policy, constitutional matters).
• B. Powers devolved to Scotland and Wales.
• C. Powers exercised by local councils.
• D. Powers controlled by the European Union.

Answer: (A)

Reserved powers are the functions that stay with the UK level rather than going to Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland. They’re kept by Parliament and the UK government to ensure national coherence and the unity of the state. Defining examples are defense, foreign policy, and constitutional matters, which require a nationwide approach and cannot be effectively devolved. The powers given to Scotland and Wales (and Northern Ireland) are those devolved to their own legislatures and administrations, while local councils handle local services within those devolved or local authority areas. The idea is that reserved powers sit at the UK level, not with the devolved administrations.