Silent Majority Speaks

Fury over Cameron plan to silence Scottish MPs

By James Cameron - Deputy Political Editor - Daily Mail, October 29, 2007

David Cameron was accused of risking the breakup of the UK last night over his plans to stop Gordon Brown and other Scottish MPs voting on legislation that applies only to England. The Tory leader is pressing ahead with a radical constitutional overhaul - first revealed by the Daily Mail - to end the unfairness caused by the creation of the Scottish Parliament.

Scottish MPs in the Commons can vote on issues that affect only England, but English MPs have no say on Scots issues decided in Edinburgh.

A series of controversial measures - including foundation hospitals and university tuition fees - have become English law thanks to the votes of Labour's 'tartan army' of Scottish MPs. Neither applies to Scotland.

At the next election, Mr Cameron will propose a ban on Scottish MPs having a say on laws relating to English schools, hospitals and a range of policy areas. The decision would make the constitutional dilemma - known as the 'West Lothian question' - a key election battle ground.

Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman called Mr Cameron's plans 'a very dangerous line of argument'. She told the BBC's Andrew Marr show: "I don't think it is right to break up the United Kingdom and I think that's where, ultimately, the suggestion of the Conservatives would go. They used to be the Conservative and Unionist Party. We can't have a situation where people are elected as Members of Parliament, sent to Westminster, but some can't speak on some issues and can't vote on some issues."

Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly accused the Tories of 'playing fast and loose' with the constitution. She said: "I think it is a recognition that they are effectively now an English party. I don't think they see any prospect of building back their base in Scotland."

How the parties stand England .................................................. Scotland 285 .........................................Labour. .........................................39 189 .....................................Conservative........................................1 48 .................................. Liberal Demnocrats ........................... 12 ..................................................SNP................................................ 6 2..... ...................................Others.................................................

Aides of Mr Brown also point out that John Major relied on Ulster Unionist MPs after losing his Commons majority. But polls suggest there is also growing concern in England over the way Scots are enjoying benefits and perks funded by taxpayers throughout the UK but not available south of the border.

Scots do not pay tuition fees and they get free personal care for the elderly and quicker access to new NHS medicine. One survey yesterday said one in three English voters favoured breaking up the Union.

Mr Cameron's democracy task-force, headed by former Tory Chancellor Kenneth Clarke, is studying a number of solutions. But the Tory leader is most attracted to one proposed by Sir Malcolm Rifkind. Rather than creating a separate English Parliament, as some demand, it would involve a 'grand committee of all English MPs. It would be convened at Westminster whenever Parliament considered legislation deemed by the Speaker to apply only to English constituencies. A new Parliamentary convention would ensure that the Commons as a whole would not overturn its decisions.

Mr Cameron signally yesterday that the controversial Barnett Formula, which gives Scots an extra £1,500 a head in public spending, could also be re-examined. He said: "We are not currently looking at it, but it is a question we ask ourselves and we are right to do so - is the Barnet Formula right for the year 2007 and beyond?"

Mr Cameron received a measure of support from former Labour MP Tam Dalyell, who first raised the West Lothian Question in the 1970's. He said the Tory proposal 'might be the least bad compromise'.

Mr Dalyell warned Mr Brown that the political price of not addressing the issue would be 'considerable'. "There is smouldering resentment and growing concern in England, not least among some English MPs," he said.

Labour has repeatedly dismissed calls for 'English votes for English laws' on the grounds that it will create two classes of MP. But the Tories insist there are already two classes. They say their proposal will ensure all MPs remain equal because they will retain the same formal and legal powers whenever the Commons meets as a whole.

Sir Malcolm said that far from undermining the Union, his plan would actually strengthen it because it would address the 'unfinished business' of devolution.

All UK-wide policy, including defence, taxation, welfare and pensions, would continue to be dealt with by all MPs, he said.

There would be no reason why a Scottish MP such as Mr Brown could not be Prime Minister.