The Conservatives have officially abandoned their English Votes on English Legislation (EVoEL) policy and confirmed that under a Tory government, MPs elected in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will continue to vote on matters that only affect England and are devolved in their own constituencies.
EVoEL was never going to answer the West Lothian Question but it would have at least officially established the principal that it is wrong for MPs elected in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to interfere in English affairs.
Scottish MPs will still be able to vote on issues that affect only England under a Tory government, despite David Cameron’s vow to end the anomaly.
Members with constituencies north of the border would not be banned from voting at the crucial second and third readings of bills on English-only legislation.
The decision has angered some campaigners, who believe it is wrong that Scottish MPs can swing the outcome of crunch votes on issues that do not affect their constituents. The issue has been a running sore since 2004, when 40 Scottish MPs helped the government push through a highly controversial bill introducing university tuition fees.
Cameron has previously indicated that Scottish MPs would be banned from swinging legislation in such a way again.
David Mundell, the shadow Scottish secretary, revealed that they will be barred only from the committee and report stages of bills, in which the precise wording of new legislation is determined.
“Basically, what we’re saying is that, in the committee and report stage of the bill, the committee should be made up only of members from England, or England and Wales if that’s the jurisdiction. That’s the point at which amendments and changes come forward,” he said.
To counter concerns that restrictions would create two classes of MP, he added that Cameron would allow Scottish MPs to vote at the second and at the third, final, stage.
Mundell revealed that the changes would take effect “in the first few weeks” of a Conservative government because they did not require legislation.
While the Tories regard the compromise as fair, it leaves them open to accusations of a fudge. Michael Knowles, spokesman for the Campaign for an English Parliament, said: “This is not good enough, and it is a step backwards in the Tory position. This does not give England what Scotland has got: self-rule over issues that only concern us.
“I think it will also cause considerable confusion about what constitutes ‘English only’ and what does not.”
Pete Wishart, the constitutional affairs spokesman, who does not generally vote on English-only legislation, accused the Tories of “turning in circles” on the issue.
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“In his keynote conference speech, Mr Cameron admitted there were big differences between himself and Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond, who is moving ahead with plans for an independence referendum.”
“We must repair the relationship between the British government and the Scottish government,” he said.
Mr Cameron told members of the Tory Party faithful that one of the first things he would do, if elected, would be to come to Scotland and meet Mr Salmond.
And he pledged to supporters in Perth to cut the “democratic deficit”, not just the budget one.”
Mr Cameron also said he took seriously the recommendations of the Calman Commission – which called for more powers for the Scottish Parliament – and said he wanted to make devolution stronger
BBC -David Cameron promises ‘radical reform’.
I don’t know how much of this I can take anymore, the injustices and frustration is nausiating.
February 16th, 2010 at 9:25 pmDavid Cameron lies. He’s a lying parasite,always has been always wll be.
February 17th, 2010 at 1:33 amIf this is correct, it just confirms what I and many of my friends and family have been saying for a long time, he changes his views to suit his audience!
I really do despair if this is the best that the Tories can elect as leader to go face to face with the great un-elected Gordon Brown!
And they wonder why so many don’t bother to vote!
February 17th, 2010 at 2:06 pmI have long maintained that those who placed their faith in a Tory Government to correct the anomalous position of England would inevitably be let down. The Tories are quintessentially Unionist in outlook and inclination and these characteristics have been reinforced under the leadership of a man who feels that he is primarily Scottish. Where do English Nationalists now look for political support?
February 18th, 2010 at 5:05 pmI suppose we have give Mr Cameron the benefit of the doubt on this issue since his over-riding need is to get additional seats in Scotland for the Tories and secure the Union. Obviously the needs of England are a lower down on his list of priorities.
February 24th, 2010 at 6:05 pmHowever I do wonder about his tendency to play to the audience and also his Scottish ancestry.