In the context of UK governance, what does 'devolution' signify?

Devolution in the context of UK governance refers to the transfer of powers from the central government to regional governments or assemblies. This process allows regions such as Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to have greater control over certain areas of policy, such as education, health, and transportation, enabling them to tailor decisions and legislation to better fit their local needs and preferences.

This shift towards regional governance reflects a move away from a strictly centralized system, recognizing the unique identities and requirements of the various parts of the UK. While a new constitution or a federal system would imply a more significant overhaul of governance structure with a uniform application across regions, devolution specifically emphasizes the delegation of certain powers while maintaining the sovereignty of the UK Parliament.