The Conswervatives have spent nearly three years “consulting” and debating the West Lothian Question and have finally come up with an “answer”.
The “answer” to the West Lothian Question, according to the Conswervatives, is “don’t answer it”. A marginal improvement over “don’t ask it” but hardly a constructive use of three years and god knows how much money.
For the last few years, the Conswervatives have had a policy of English Votes on English Matters – an inadequate proposal that would have allowed any British MP to debate a bill that only affects England but only allow MPs elected in England to vote on it.
The latest “answer” to the West Lothian Question is … wait for it … to allow only MPs elected in England to debate an English-only bill but allow any British MP to vote on it.
The Conswervatives under David Camoron have refined the ability to piss off pretty much everybody, including their own members and supporters, almost to an art form and this is no exception. If they can’t get support for this balls-up on a Conswervative fan-blog, it’s got to be a dud.
Technorati Tags: Conswervatives, West Lothian Question
It’s so pathetic it’s not worth the time taken to read it! Oh! Calcutta! Scots, Welsh and N Irish MP’s continuing to have votes on ENGLISH matters, whilst English MP’s can only amend no-mandate bills! An ENGLISH PARLIAMENT is the ONLY solution!
On a more cheerful note, isn’t it the case that if the One-Eyed King loses the vote on the 10% tax band fiasco, as it’s a money bill, the loss is equivalent to losing a vote of confidence, and would mean a General Election
Which might bring in Camoron, not to mention the Salmon.
On the whole, I think I’d shoot myself……
‘an inadequate proposal that would have allowed any British MP to debate a bill that only affects England but only allow MPs elected in England to vote on it’
Whats wrong with that?
Camoron’s New Conservatives have interest only in preserving “Greater England” even at the expense of England… This latest proposal is the most ridiculous yet offered by the Tories.
As an aside, can I mention that my blogging comrade AngloNoel has an essay at the “What England Means to Me” site which is brilliant.
With regards to axe’s comment, “‘an inadequate proposal that would have allowed any British MP to debate a bill that only affects England but only allow MPs elected in England to vote on it’”
English MP’s are not allowed to debate devolved issues in Scotland, Wales or NI. Why should their British MP’s stick their noses into any part of English legislation? That’s how we ended up with Uni fees in England and not in Scotland as their MP’s helped voted it through with a majority of just 5, an injustice that still rankles.
Charlie, plug away. I did get a message to say it was up but I haven’t read it yet.
Axel, there were a few problems with EVoEM. It would allow MPs not elected in England to interfere with English-only bills, it would require the (currently Scottish) Speaker to declare the bill English-only, anything that costs money would affect the subsidy so MPs not elected in England could claim an interest, it doesn’t create an English Executive, it’s not what people want. That’s off the top of my head. 🙂
oki