Changes

The British Government operates in the name of the Queen (or the "Crown"), but power lies in practice with the '''Prime Minister''' and his '''Cabinet'''. The British Prime Minister has one of the most powerful roles of any democratic head of government or head of state (though some, like the French President, have similar or more extensive powers).   

The British Government operates in the name of the Queen (or the "Crown"), but power lies in practice with the '''Prime Minister''' and his '''Cabinet'''. The British Prime Minister has one of the most powerful roles of any democratic head of government or head of state (though some, like the French President, have similar or more extensive powers).   

Contrary to popular opinion, the British Prime Minister can be of any religion - for example, Iian Duncan-Smith, a Catholic, was made leader of the Conservative Party which would have made him Prime Minister had he been elected, yet no British political commentators made any mention of his religion. In addition, [[Margaret Thatcher]] was a Methodist rather than an Anglican.  Legislation exists which demands that the Monarch be Anglican; however, advising the monarch on ecclesiastical affairs can fall to any member of the cabinet, and indeed the position is defunct in modern-day Britain.  No legislation exists which regulates the religion of the Prime Minister.

Contrary to popular opinion, the British Prime Minister can be of any religion - for example, Iain Duncan-Smith, a Catholic, was made leader of the Conservative Party while in opposition which would have made him Prime Minister had the party won a general election at that time. In addition, [[Margaret Thatcher]] was a Methodist rather than an Anglican.  Not many British political commentators make any mention of religion, and religion is not considered a major deciding factor in elections.  The faith or denominations of party leaders is not well known. 

 

The only relevant legislation that exists demands that the Monarch be Anglican; however, the now defunct position of advising the monarch on ecclesiastical affairs could have fallen to any member of the cabinet.  No legislation exists which regulates the religion of the Prime Minister or any other member of parliament.

== Devolution ==

== Devolution ==