On Thursday 22nd October we debated the contentious subject of English Votes for English Laws (EVEL). This issue was repeatedly raised with me in the constituency in the run up to the General Election; it was a real bone of contention. Now that the Scottish National Party are so prominent within our Parliament the matter has come to a head.
This debate was about fairness. Why should English MPs be unable to vote on areas such as health in Wales and education in Scotland, whilst Scottish and Welsh MPs can vote on those issues as they effect England?The question- who decides?
With devolution in mind, the question of where power lies is more relevant than ever. In light of the Scottish referendum held last year, the Government committed itself to reviewing the West Lothian Question, first raised in 1977 by Tam Dalyell in the House of Commons. With the passing of the Scotland Bill, the Scottish received more power to raise taxes and decide their own path, which they argued long and hard was only right. Therefore, it seems only fair that we the English have our own say, over our own future.
So what will this mean for East Anglia? The idea is that as ever, new laws will be made by the whole House. But, when it comes to laws that will only effect the English, (and on occasions the Welsh) it will only be with the consent of those MPs that represent that part of the nation. The beauty of the Union, is that it allows the four corners of this nation to express their views side by side. EVEL does not undermine this relationship but delivers a new, fairer settlement that applies more evenly to all parts of the UK.
These changes will not require any new legislation. Whilst this debated raged, detailed analysis by the Procedure Select Committee determined that the Government’s policy on this, should be implemented by Standing Orders rather than introducing primary legislation. The Speaker will, in consultation with two Members of the Panel of Chairs, decide which laws are relevant only to the English.
The Speaker concluded that this is indeed unchartered territory. Therefore, he will take careful consideration before instructing MPs on how legislation will proceed. I fully welcome these changes and in light of the Rugby World Cup, I trust the Home Nations will set aside any differences they may have and work together in what is now a fairer and more balanced Parliament.