Westminster passes English Votes for English Laws

Westminster has passed the motion on English votes for English laws (EVEL) by 312 to 270, a majority of 42.

EVEL will restrict Scottish MPs from voting on issues that relate only to England or England and Wales.

The speaker of the house will declare before a motion debate whether matter relates to England or England and Wales only.

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Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish MPs will still be allowed to speak on restricted motions, but they will be excluded from voting on them.

Welsh MPs will continue to be able to vote on issues that relate to both England and Wales.

Opening the debate on EVEL, Chris Grayling, leader of the House of Commons, called it “untenable” to say that devolution was a good thing for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, but was not appropriate to England.

However, Shadow Scottish Secretary Ian Murray has called the change “a wrecking ball through the constitution”.

During the debate SNP MPs raised concerns about the restrictions creating two classes of MP within the UK parliament.

Tommy Sheppard, SNP MP for Edinburgh East, questioned what he would do if he was restricted from voting on an issue that affected his constituency.

Question were also raised about Scottish and Welsh MPs with constituencies close to the border who might have constituents who use services in England.

The Electoral Reform Society have called for wider consultation on the issue outside of Westminster.

Chief Executive Katie Ghose said:

“The introduction of English Votes for English Laws would be a highly significant change, not just to voting procedure but to the future of the relationship with devolved nations and UK democracy.

“These proposals have constitutional consequences beyond changes to parliamentary procedure – so it’s vital that citizens have a say.”

The exact procedures for English votes for English laws have yet to be announced.

In reply to requests from shadow leader of the house Chris Bryant and SNP MP Pete Wishart for clarification of the new processes, speaker John Bercow said he was aware it was a matter of “relative urgency” to addresses case that will arise under the new arrangements.

He indicated that guidance would be given prior to any debates affected by EVEL, but that it might be oral rather than written.