Mark Whitehead 03 February 2015

Hague unveils English laws vetos

English MPs would be given a veto on legislation affecting only England under Conservative proposals for electoral reform.

Speaking to BBC Breakfast William Hague, chair of the Cabinet Committee on Devolution, said the reforms would deliver 'fairness to the people of England'.

It would mean MPs from the whole UK would continue to be able to debate and vote on English laws, but the committee stage - where line-by-line scrutiny takes place - would be restricted to MPs representing the parts of the UK where they apply.

Labour has called for a cross-party convention to consider the matter. The party has also suggested giving a greater role to English, or English and Welsh MPs, in scrutinising legislation that does not apply elsewhere in the UK.

Mr Hague is expected to say it is a 'fundamental matter of fairness' that English changes in these areas should have the agreement of English MPs.

The UK's Budget Bill would be considered in the same way, but 'where taxes have been devolved to Scotland, the equivalent taxes in England would require the consent of English MPs'.

Devolution and putting place first image

Devolution and putting place first

The real lesson of Andy Burnham's Makerfield success, argues Dr Jonathan Carr-West, is that place – not personality – is the key to Britain's future.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Youth Work Team Leader - Hospital Project

Essex County Council
£26924.0000 - £29644.0000 per annum
The Youth Work in Hospital Project operates within the Mid and South Essex Hospitals (Basildon, Southend, and Broomfield) to support young people in their community. England, Essex, Basildon
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Planning Officer/Principal Planning Officer (Career Grade)

Hyndburn Borough Council
£39,152– £41,771
We are looking for someone who relishes a challenge and thrives in a busy yet supportive environment Accrington, Lancashire
Recuriter: Hyndburn Borough Council

Tribunal, Dispute Resolution and Complaints Lead

North Yorkshire Council
£51,356 to £55,539 per annum
Do you thrive in complex environments where you can make a meaningful difference for children, young people and families? Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Tribunal, Dispute Resolution and Complaints Lead

North Yorkshire Council
£51,356 to £55,539 per annum
Do you thrive in complex environments where you can make a meaningful difference for children, young people and families? Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Tribunal, Dispute Resolution and Complaints Lead

North Yorkshire Council
£51,356 to £55,539 per annum
Do you thrive in complex environments where you can make a meaningful difference for children, young people and families? Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner