Electoral Reform Society criticises Tory plans for England-only votes
Thanks to Tom Pride for flagging up this story: The non-partisan Electoral Reform Society has criticised William Hague’s announcement of the Conservative proposal for giving English MPs the only say over England-only legislation, saying such important constitutional changes should be decided by the public, not just by MPs.
Darren Hughes, Deputy Chief Executive of the Electoral Reform Society, said: “It may seem like the most natural thing in the world to give English MPs a veto over laws that affect only England. But the truth is this proposal would have huge implications for the way we are governed. It’s impossible to isolate this issue from wider constitutional questions about where power lies in the UK. We need to answer those questions in full, but that process cannot take place behind closed doors.”
“A citizen-led Convention would put people, not politicians, in the driving seat when it comes to settling our constitutional future. It’s the only way to answer these difficult questions and come to a settlement that commands legitimacy and respect. It’s time to put an end to these back-room deals and unilateral announcements, whether it’s the Conservatives in England or Labour in Scotland. Let’s give citizens a chance to decide where power should lie in the UK.”
So the Electoral Reform Society is supporting Labour’s call for a constitutional convention, and saying it should be led by citizens, not politicians.
What are the chances?
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This is to stop Labour joining with the SNP, so only a total Labour victory would be enough for a Labour government to rule. The UKIP and Lib Dem parties would side with the Tories, whilst the Greens and the micro parties of the Left are too small to get anywhere.
I agree with Thomas M’s comments.
It is a very sad matter that the whole issue has come about as it should have been possible for both Scottish and the rest of the UK to maintain the strong bond of unity.
With modern communications it would have been perfectly feasible for Westminster and Edinburgh to have a joint parliament. Both sections of the UK are now weakened by selfish politics. In these troubled times we need the full support of each other.
Just did a bit of Google delving, and as far as I can see, the only mainstream media that carries this story is the Buxton Advertiser. Perhaps that nationals will catch up…….
The mainstream media is run by right-wingers (mostly) so you have to get it from the social media.
I hope everybody’s sharing it everywhere on Facebook, Twitter, Tmblr and whatever else there is.
It, or something very like it, has been in the ‘I’ today. There’s a page discussing Hague’s plan to have an English ‘high council’ making England-only laws.