‘English votes for English legislation’ will be a key part of the Conservative’s election campaign next year.
William Hague, who is chairing a Cabinet committee looking at the constitution, said ministers are already pushing for devolution of tax-raising powers to Wales and Scotland to reduce those countries’ dependency on block grant. However, he rejected the notion of regional government in England, saying it was ‘grossly wasteful’.
Speaking at the Conservative Party conference, he said: ‘We are wholeheartedly committed to further devolution to Scotland and Wales but such further devolution turns the matter of Scottish MPs continuing to vote on even the most minor policies in England from an anomaly to an injustice.
‘My longstanding view is that when Parliament makes decisions affecting only the people of England or only the people of England and Wales then those decisions should be made only by the MPs elected to represent them.’
Ruth Davidson, leader of the Scottish Tories, called for an end to block grant with tax raising powers devolved to Holyrood. However, she avoided any mention of the Barnett formula, which the Government intends to retain.
