EVEL Conservative plan holed

This morning on the news John Redwood MP was sounding very reasonable in explaining how simple EVEL (English Votes on English Laws) was and by implication what a good idea it is: why get into lots of constitutional wrangling?

Part of the problem is, as he let slip, is that in the present electoral map, that would mean a Conservative majority in England. He didn't say it in so many words, but by pointing out that it was the Labour MPs from the rest of the UK that diluted the Conservative vote on English matters, he belied his statement that this was not a party political matter.

And there we have the problem. By creating, in effect, a part-time English parliament in Westminster, there would be an entrenchment of a particular party. Some of us in some regions of England are, in effect, relying on the non-Conservative vote from other bits of GB to help sustain 'our' case. The first-past the post system of voting can mean that Conservatives in England could ride roughshod over the rest even while not enjoying a majority of actual votes. And since most of the Conservative MPs would be from Southerly parts of England, there would grow a tension between the south and the north along the issue of fair representation. One of the ways to address that would be to recognise that an England of regions with properly devolved powers, would be fairer and more sustainable.

EVEL could only be a temporary measure, but I fear that if we grant it, the Establishment would resist further reform with the consequent unrest and growing inequality it would engender.

In my view we need a proper constitutional consultation to settle this. EVEL is not a long-term solution.