David Cameron facing possible Conservative rebellion over English votes for English laws
I know I keep banging about the need for “rural” to feature in the devolution debate but this article about the tactical elements of changing parliamentary procedure does give me the opportunity to make the point again. Even today in the budget the Chancellor made more announcements about city devolution, it is important that rural communities and territorial alliances don’t lose out. The story tells us
Mr Grayling said he was pleased to explain further the Government’s vision for the plans to “strengthen the union”.
He told MPs: “Fairness requires that further devolution of powers to Scotland, England and Wales is accompanied by a louder voice for England here at Westminster on English matters.”
Some Conservative MPs appeared during the debate to share the unease expressed by Mr Davis following the vote, with Tory Peter Bone (Wellingborough) asking if there was a stronger argument for primary legislation. Sir Edward Leigh warned that the future of the union was “at stake” and that the government needed to appear to be acting fairly.
As drafted, a new stage will be introduced for laws passing through Parliament when English MPs will be asked to accept or veto legislation only affecting their constituents before it passes to third reading, its final Commons stage.
There will be a separate committee stage for English, or English and Welsh, MPs for bills not affecting Scotland and Northern Ireland, meaning legislation can be amended without the consent of all MPs in the Commons, although there will be further opportunities to overturn any changes.