Twenty years since the creation of the Scottish Parliament, the National Assembly for Wales and the Northern Ireland Assembly, it is clear that devolution is a source of strength for the UK – not a sign of its weakness.
It is the form of government best suited to our geography, our history and our future.
Stormont, Holyrood and Cardiff Bay are democratic expressions of the multiple identities that define the Union.
And devolved legislatures working alongside a United Kingdom Parliament elected by every citizen of the Union, containing representatives of every community in the Union, means the best of both worlds.
The benefit of more responsive and representative government for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, without sacrificing the strength and security that pooling and sharing risks and rewards provides.
Northern Ireland had a devolved Parliament from its inception up until the beginning of the Troubles, after which it always remained UK Government policy to see devolved government there restored.
And when devolved government in Northern Ireland was finally restored, it was after an historic agreement to end a long and painful period of conflict.
The devolution settlement brought about by the Belfast Agreement was an example for the world in uniting people behind a shared future.
And as the parties in Northern Ireland continue in talks to restore that devolution, the hope and history surrounding it should be a powerful reminder of the imperative of not letting that progress slip away.
In Great Britain, successive Governments of both parties pursued policies of administrative devolution – the creation of separate Whitehall departments for Scotland and Wales, led by cabinet Ministers – but resisted calls for legislative devolution.