English Votes for English Laws, or EVEL, as it is currently known has just been passed in the House of Commons and gives English Members of Parliament the opportunity to vote on English only matters that are devolved. It has been a twenty year battle but, as it stands, the legislation was voted in favour by 312 votes to 270, to finally restore change to the legislative system and alter fundamentally the UK functions.
The law making process will continue as usual but there will now be a new stage added allowing for English MPs to veto legislation before the rest of the House has had an opportunity to vote for it and will allow English MPs only to vote on an issue that is solely related to England. This is somewhat extended to English and Welsh MPs when a matter effecting Wales is in question but that’s for Speaker John Bercow to decide. One of his main new powers. This is seen by many as likely to reduce Welsh influence at Westminster.
Although there is obviously celebration in the Conservative ranks over the passing of the legislation that failed in the Lords earlier this year it is clear that the policy is hardly being celebrated by any other parties within the Commons. The fact that Chris Graling is wandering the Commons with the nickname ‘Doctor EVEL’ says it all.
Despite the fact that EVEL was initially a Labour policy it seems set to secure the fate of the Labour Party who, already having faced nearly six years out of government, may now have problems if they manage to get elected. Most of Labour’s majorities have, in the past, come from North of the border and therefore, this new legislation will limit their ability to pass English only legislation within the House of Commons.
Chris Bryant referred to the legislation as a ‘bowl of soggy overcooked spaghetti’ with SNP MP Pete Wishart telling MPs that ‘Scotland is watching this and the mood is darkening. If this is an exercise in saving the Union you could not have contrived a more inept way to save the Union.’
The jubilations can be somewhat cut short for the Government as both Northern Irish MPs and Scottish MPs have been quoted claiming that this will speed up the break-up of the United Kingdom and has already created a ‘dis-united’ Kingdom. Is there another referendum around the corner for Scotland and if so will Cameron win the battle twice – with this type of legislation the answer is surely not.
words LAURA WADDILOVE
photo JAY JERRY