Where do reserved powers principally reside?

• A. The Westminster Parliament
• B. The UK devolved assemblies
• C. The European Union
• D. The Prime Minister's Office

Answer: (B)

Reserved powers are the authorities the central government keeps for itself rather than handing to regional legislatures. In the UK, devolution gives Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland power to make laws in many areas, but a defined set of matters remains under Westminster’s control. These reserved matters cover national, strategic, and constitutional functions—think defence, foreign policy, immigration, and other areas tied to the country as a whole. Because of that, reserved powers principally reside in the Westminster Parliament, not in the UK devolved assemblies, the European Union, or the Prime Minister’s Office. The devolved assemblies handle policy in areas like education, health, and local services within their regions.