The Dunlop Review into UK Government Union capability

Lord Dunlop was appointed on 4 July 2019 to produce an independent report into the UK Government’s Union capability.

Overview

The successful devolution of powers to legislatures and Ministers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland has taken place gradually over the last twenty years via a succession of Acts of Parliament, including most recently the Scotland Act 2016 and the Wales Act 2017.

Over that time the UK Government has adapted to meet this changing constitutional landscape while maintaining its primary responsibility of being a Government serving the whole United Kingdom. However, as the United Kingdom leaves the European Union, it is timely for the UK Government to consider how through its institutional arrangements it meets the challenge of strengthening and sustaining the Union in the future.

The Review was completed and delivered to the Prime Minister in Autumn 2019.

Terms of Reference

Lord Dunlop

Lord Dunlop served as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Northern Ireland Office from 17 July 2016 to 14 June 2017. He also served as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Scotland Office from 14 May 2015 to 14 June 2017.

He was previously Prime Minister David Cameron’s devolution advisor in Number 10 from February 2012 to May 2015.