Changes proposed to English MPs’ votes

The McKay Commission began last year to consider the so-called West Lothian Question – the ability of politicians from Northern
Ireland, Wales and Scotland to vote in the Commons on issues that do not impact on their constituents.

The issue has been rumbling since Irish home rule in the 19th century, but intensified with Labour’s devolution agenda.

In 2004, support from Scottish and Welsh MPs was the only reason the Government managed to push through the introduction of university top-up fees in England.

The commission has proposed the principle that Commons decisions with a “separate and distinct effect” for England should “normally be taken only with the consent of a majority of MPs sitting for constituencies in England”.

The same would go for decisions that only affected England and Wales.

The report said the principle should be enshrined in a resolution of the House, and suggested a range of procedural changes.

Specific parliamentary time could be allocated to debating plans for England, and MPs given an opportunity to vote on motions endorsing or rejecting them.

Committees for scrutinising bills could also be weighted to represent the party balance in England.

However, the commission dismissed as “flawed” a change of requiring England-only legislation to get a majority of English MPs as well as an overall majority.

Instead of such a “double lock”, it has floated a “double count” where the proportion of English MPs supporting a Bill would be published alongside the deciding overall result.

“If a government was seen to have failed to attract the support of a majority of MPs from England (or England and Wales) for business affecting those interests, it would be likely to sustain severe political damage,” the report
said.