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Can England-only Westminster votes happen? Can England-only Westminster votes happen?
(about 2 hours later)
With the Scottish Parliament set to get more powers following the country's rejection of independence, what are the chances of England-only votes at Westminster?With the Scottish Parliament set to get more powers following the country's rejection of independence, what are the chances of England-only votes at Westminster?
What's the problem with Parliament as it is?What's the problem with Parliament as it is?
Despite the devolution of powers to Scotland in the late 1990s, Scottish MPs at Westminster can still vote on issues affecting England only, such as its health and education policies. English MPs have no such power over Scotland.Despite the devolution of powers to Scotland in the late 1990s, Scottish MPs at Westminster can still vote on issues affecting England only, such as its health and education policies. English MPs have no such power over Scotland.
This constitutional anomaly - known as the "West Lothian Question" - vexes many MPs, particularly those on the Conservative benches.This constitutional anomaly - known as the "West Lothian Question" - vexes many MPs, particularly those on the Conservative benches.
Currently 41 of Scotland's 59 MPs are Labour, 11 are Liberal Democrats and just one is a Conservative. Many English politicians, particularly Conservatives, say reform is needed. Currently 41 of Scotland's 59 MPs are Labour, 11 are Liberal Democrats and just one is a Conservative. Many English politicians say reform is needed.
Why is this all coming to a head now?Why is this all coming to a head now?
The three main Westminster parties agreed to give "extensive new powers" to the Scottish Parliament on issues such as tax and welfare if the country's voters rejected independence in the referendum.The three main Westminster parties agreed to give "extensive new powers" to the Scottish Parliament on issues such as tax and welfare if the country's voters rejected independence in the referendum.
Their leaders signed a "vow" to this effect last week. The Scottish Parliament already has powers including those over health, education, the environment and law and order. Their leaders signed a "vow" to this effect last week. The Scottish Parliament already has powers over health, education, the environment and law and order.
Scotland's voters opted to stay part of the Union in the referendum, meaning the Conservatives, Labour and the Liberal Democrats are duty-bound to follow up on their pledges. A draft parliamentary bill is being promised by the end of January.Scotland's voters opted to stay part of the Union in the referendum, meaning the Conservatives, Labour and the Liberal Democrats are duty-bound to follow up on their pledges. A draft parliamentary bill is being promised by the end of January.
But many politicians in England are concerned that this makes it even more pressing that Scottish MPs should stay out of English affairs. The main parties are coming under pressure to act. But many politicians in England, particularly Conservatives, are concerned that this makes it even more pressing that Scottish MPs should stay out of English affairs. Some, it is feared, might vote against Scottish devolution plans if they don't get some movement towards change in England.
What are the Conservatives saying? What is the Conservative leadership saying?
David Cameron argues that, when the further Scottish changes come in, Scottish MPs should lose the right to vote at Westminster on issues that affect only England.David Cameron argues that, when the further Scottish changes come in, Scottish MPs should lose the right to vote at Westminster on issues that affect only England.
Under increased pressure from his backbench MPs, he has asked House of Commons leader William Hague to draw up plans for reform.Under increased pressure from his backbench MPs, he has asked House of Commons leader William Hague to draw up plans for reform.
Suggestions include the Commons discussing England-only issues on certain days.Suggestions include the Commons discussing England-only issues on certain days.
And Labour?And Labour?
Party leader Ed Miliband would have more to lose in parliamentary terms if Scottish MPs are stripped of the right to vote over England-only matters, which would make it harder for any Labour government to get legislation through Parliament.Party leader Ed Miliband would have more to lose in parliamentary terms if Scottish MPs are stripped of the right to vote over England-only matters, which would make it harder for any Labour government to get legislation through Parliament.
He disagrees with the prime minister. Instead he is calling for a cross-party constitutional convention to take place, but not until after the election. This would, he says, take a wider, longer-term look at the situation facing the whole UK.He disagrees with the prime minister. Instead he is calling for a cross-party constitutional convention to take place, but not until after the election. This would, he says, take a wider, longer-term look at the situation facing the whole UK.
Labour says the PM's plans risk creating "two classes of MP". But some critics within the party worry that Mr Miliband risks going into the election without a clear constitutional plan.Labour says the PM's plans risk creating "two classes of MP". But some critics within the party worry that Mr Miliband risks going into the election without a clear constitutional plan.
What about the Lib Dems?What about the Lib Dems?
Like the Conservatives, leader Nick Clegg, who wants to create a federal system of UK government, favours banning Scottish MPs from deciding on England-only issues.Like the Conservatives, leader Nick Clegg, who wants to create a federal system of UK government, favours banning Scottish MPs from deciding on England-only issues.
He says he wants decisions to be made soon on "how that translates into new voting arrangements in Westminster".He says he wants decisions to be made soon on "how that translates into new voting arrangements in Westminster".
Can the parties reach a deal? So, would this mean an English parliament?
No. The three main parties aren't proposing setting up an entirely separate body designed solely to create laws for England, as has long been demanded by the small English Democrats party.
Will there be more powers for England's regions?
Possibly. The three main parties all say they want the regions - some with populations larger than Scotland's - to have more say over how they are run. Mr Clegg has backed a report calling for large "city-regions" to get tax-raising and spending powers, with elected mayors at the helm. Labour and the Conservatives say they too want power to be decentralised.
But creating extra tiers of government has not proved popular with the English public. When 10 cities held a referendum on whether they wanted elected mayors in 2012, only one - Bristol - voted in favour. Similarly, voters in north-east England rejected setting up a regional assembly by 78% to 22% in 2004.
Can the parties reach a deal on England?
They all say they can, but they show little sign as yet of coming to an agreement over how to handle the post-referendum situation, apart from promising extra powers for Scotland.They all say they can, but they show little sign as yet of coming to an agreement over how to handle the post-referendum situation, apart from promising extra powers for Scotland.
There is no consensus on what will change in England, or even when.There is no consensus on what will change in England, or even when.
UK Independence Party leader Nigel Farage has written to all Scottish MPs asking them not to vote on English issues.UK Independence Party leader Nigel Farage has written to all Scottish MPs asking them not to vote on English issues.
Former Labour prime minister Gordon Brown has said there will be a Commons debate next month on Scottish devolution. Calls for a revamp of how England is governed are unlikely to fade in the meantime.Former Labour prime minister Gordon Brown has said there will be a Commons debate next month on Scottish devolution. Calls for a revamp of how England is governed are unlikely to fade in the meantime.
And what about Northern Ireland and Wales?
In Northern Ireland, the DUP says a vote on the future constitutional arrangement is not needed, with First Minister Peter Robinson saying "more and more" people want to maintain the status quo. But Sinn Fein says Stormont should get more powers over taxation and government spending.
In Wales, Labour First Minister Carwyn Jones demanded a full say in any devolution talks, while Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood says Wales must get new powers if Scotland does, rather than being treated as "second-rate".