The Prime Minister made his promise in the lead up to the vote on September 18th in a clear guarantee to the people of Scotland – but then added confusion by declaring on the Friday morning after the referendum that further powers for Scotland would be achieved in ‘tandem‘ with English votes for English laws – suggesting that the vow was not all it seemed. He also asks the Prime Minister to explain the role of English MPs in Scottish matters as the extra powers debate advances.
In his letter to the Prime Minister, Pete Wishart writes:
The Scottish people will not accept any dilution of ‘the vow’ or have the debate about 'more powers' descend in to an unseemly spat between the main UK parties. That is why it is imperative that you lead this debate, with the Leader of the Opposition replying.
Prime Minister, I know that you are passionate about what you see as the injustice of Scottish members voting on English-only legislation and you will no doubt be aware that the SNP MPs do not vote on English-only legislation that does not impact on Scotland. Can I be so brave as to suggest a way forward in securing a consensus in the House and secure parity across all legislation? That is to lead by example.
I strongly believe that you must, in the House of Commons, look the people of Scotland in the eye and say that these ‘more powers’ will be delivered without any such condition?
It has come to my attention that the one Conservative member from Scotland consistently votes on English-only legislation. Will you now confirm that the Honourable member for Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale will no longer vote on any further English only legislation so that no charge of possible hypocrisy could be levelled at you or your Government’s approach to this issue? Next week, we also have Scottish Questions. Five Conservative members have questions on the Order Paper, many more will hope to ask a question to the Secretary of State.
If Scottish members are to absent themselves from English only issues will English Conservative members similarly respect that Scottish business is the exclusive preserve of Scottish members? In addition, specifically on EVEL, to be consistent there surely must be a similar process for Scottish votes for Scottish legislation. Whilst you should lead the debate next week as the key signatory of the ‘vow’, English Conservative members of Parliament must surely refrain from participating in this Scottish only debate and refrain from voting if any question is put to the House.
Pete Wishart, SNP MP for Perth and North Perthshire commented: “David Cameron has a responsibility to lead the debate next week. He is - after all - the Prime Minister who signed the vow on behalf of the Westminster government. He has an opportunity next week to show good faith and ensure that the further powers Scotland demands are met in full and as quickly as promised by him so publicly. It is also gives him the perfect opportunity to explain how he sees the role of English MPs on purely Scottish matters evolving at Westminster.”
