As John Prescott announces referendums on the creation of three new regional assemblies for England - with powers to be specified at a later date - for the north-east, the north-west and Yorkshire and Humber, here is how some of our European neighbours and transatlantic friends govern themselves.

... Canada

With a federal system created by a UK act of parliament in 1867, Canada may prove a particularly relevant example to Mr Prescott. Although central government can officially overrule the 10 provinces' laws, this has not happened in 50 years, and over the past 80 years the number of provinces, and their competencies, have grown. Provinces now raise their own taxes, control 41% of total public expenditure, and look after health, education, social security, prisons, law, justice, and the police.

... Germany

Probably the most devolved state in Europe. After reunification, West Germany's 11 Lander were joined by 5 from the former East Germany. Each has its own constitution, parliament and executive, members are elected by additional member system, and, perhaps most importantly, the national second chamber (Bundesrat), which has a power of veto over the Bundestag, consists entirely of Land ministers.

Landers have their own judicial systems, their own powers of primary legislation and tax raising powers, are responsible for education, culture, safety, law & order and ultimately control nearly 40% of public expenditure.

... Spain

One of the most devolved governmental systems in Europe, Spain's 17 elected and autonomous regions grew up following constitutional changes in the late 1970s after the death of Franco. Each of these "communidades autonomic" has its own president, executive, parliament and high court of justice, although some have more powers (eg tax systems, police) than the standard portfolio of education, health, urban planning, culture, agriculture and social services.

"They don't know what the north-east is about down there," says lorry driver Kevin Walker, munching his sandwiches on a wall outside the cathedral. "We're just a place on the map. They make all the decisions down there and it's about time our own people up here made them." David Gillespie, a part-time tourist guide who lives near the cathedral, agrees. "I have lived up here for 26 years and there is a feeling of being out on a limb," he says. "Keeping the gospels down there is a disgrace. I find a lot of people now want their own north-east government."

But at Durham county council's headquarters a mile away, Ken Manton, the council leader, thinks people are still confused about the prospect of devolution. An extensive council survey revealed recently that while most wanted a referendum, they were unsure about how to vote. "There is a latent feeling of isolation from London," says Mr Manton. "I see London now as a state within a state and we need a counterbalancing force in the north-east."