Despite devolving decision making and tax raising to the Scottish and Welsh assemblies, Scottish MP’s are still permitted to vote on English matters. While it is fair to say that representatives from all of the home nations should have a say in the running of the United Kingdom as a whole, is it really fair that the Scottish be allowed to play a part in decisions that only affect the English and not vice versa?
For example, why should the MPs for Aberdeenshire have the ability to vote on matters concerning the local NHS Primary Care Trust for Oxfordshire while Oxford's MP can't have similar input in decisions about Aberdeen's NHS?
Of course, this position suits Labour’s purposes and protects their interests – having lost an average of 7% of English votes during the last election, they are no doubt aware that an English Assembly would not be a Labour dominated one.
Now that the SNP has gained control of Scotland, it will be interesting to see if (a) they persue independance and (b) if they do, will English affairs be left to English representation.
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