Site updated:

11 February 2012

Government in Wales

This information applies to England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland

The Government of Wales Act 2006 has created a National Assembly for Wales and allows for a separate Welsh Assembly Government. Led by the First Minister, the Welsh Assembly Government is responsible for many issues, including health, education, economic development, culture, the environment and transport.

The relationship between the Welsh Assembly Government and the National Assembly is similar to that of the UK Government and Parliament. The National Assembly can debate the laws proposed by members of the Assembly Government and hold Government members to account. It can make law on some topics, for example, education.

Some laws must still be made by the UK Parliament, for example, defence.

For more information, see (New window) www.wales.gov.uk.