David Wright, Telford MP on English Parliament

I emailed David Wright, the MP for Telford, some time ago to see if he supported an English Parliament. He said he didn't.

I thought it was about time I found out why so the other day I sent him an email asking him some questions ...

Dear Mr Wright,

I wrote to you some time ago and asked if you were in favour of an English Parliament and you told me you weren't. I would like to ask you a few questions if I may.

My vision, and that of the English nationalist groups that I am aware of, is for an English Parliament to represent England and for it to replace the majority of the British government as opposed to being implemented over and above the current level of bureaucracy. According to figures published by the government, approximately 80-85% of time in the British Parliament is taken up dealing with matters that affect only England. When an English Parliament is established, there will obviously be some overlap. But even so, it is feasible that at least 75% of the current British bureaucracy would no longer be needed. I would anticipate the majority of civil servants transferring from British roles to English roles. Devolution is about moving representation down the line and closer to the people, not adding in extra layers of government.

There are many reasons why I feel an English Parliament is needed. The most obvious reason is the legislation imposed on England that our own English MPs have voted against due to the voting rights of Scottish and Welsh MP's on English matters. This is something that cannot happen in reverse because of the devolved governments in place in Scotland and Wales. Examples of this happening are university top-up fees and foundation hospitals. Both of these bills were rejected by a majority of English MP's but passed into law, despite only affecting England, because of the votes of Scottish and Welsh MP's. Another reason which is just as important is the Barnett Formula. The formula is grossly unfair on England and means millions of pounds of English taxes are spent in Scotland and Wales on things such as free prescriptions and free university education that English people are not entitled to. Perhaps most important of all is the systematic and intentional erosion of English culture and nationality. English organisations are abolished and replaced with British organisations that still only deal with England. England is constantly and consistently referred to in official circles as Britain and not England or, even worse,as the regions.

It is obvious that this attempt to remove all traces of England and Englishness is intentional and is the product of an establishment that realises the extent to which England has been exploited has reached the point where even the lay-man has started to notice. The Russians attempted the very same thing during the USSR era with their policy of "Rusification"and we have all seen what the end result of that was. You are an intelligent man, I am sure you are aware of that piece of history and can draw the parallels for yourself.

Anyway, on to the questions:

If an English Parliament could be established without an additional level of bureaucracy, would you still be opposed to it?

Is your opposition to English devolution more to do with the loss of power that British MP's such as yourself will experience as power is devolved to the English Parliament as opposed to a genuine dislike for the idea?

Would you prefer that England was carved up into ineffective political regions against the wishes of the English people (as indicated during the referendum in the North East - 78% no vote - which was considered to have been most in favour of regionalisation)?

Do you agree that Scottish and Welsh MP's should be allowed to vote onEnglish only legislation while English MP's are prevented from doing the reverse?

Do you feel that England is treated fairly and equally within the union?

Do you find it acceptable that the English, comprising 83% of the population of the UK, should have no direct political representation - the only country in Europe to be in that position?

I appreciate that this is a rather long email but I belive it is an important issue and, judging by the letters in the Shropshire Star, a number of your constituents agree. Please bear in mind that English devolution is no more a threat to the union than Scottish and Welsh devolution. If the current situation continues, the end result can only be the break-up of the union.

I look forward to your reply in due course.

Stuart Parr
[address]

I received a reply today by post which I thought was a bit of a waste of a stamp but at least I had a reply. I opened the letter, barely able to conceal my anticipation. One page? Ok, maybe it's small writing. No. My entire email with all those points I raised and all those questions I asked waranted 2 paragraphs and probably 2 minutes of his time.

Dear Mr Parr

Thank you for your recent email relating to an English Parliament.

I have to say that I have little more to add to my previous comments. I do not think there is any desire at present for either a parliament for England or indeed regional assemblies.

Our country does extremely well within the United Kingdom and direct political representation is provided by MPs. I would have no problem passing powers to elected members of a regional assembly.

With best wishes

Yours sincerely

David Wright

Ok, his one saving grace is that he recognises that English people don't want regional assemblies. Unfortunately, he's failed completely to answer any of my questions.

I will post my reply when I write it.