SNP could hold the balance of power at Westminster

[summit7]

Glaz do you really believe that that they will not vote on English only matters, that has been proven to be a no no, untill this addressed the whole Scottish issue is flawed. Claiming independence but influanceing another "country" (ie England) which can not influence yours is so incorrect

[Pesty]

FourWheelDrift said:

"Izzy, wizzy, let's get busy."



It is done.

While you're at it can you do Yorkshire as well please.

oh and make the mayor of donny president.

Thanks in advance.

[glazbagun]

summit7 said:

Glaz do you really believe that that they will not vote on English only matters, that has been proven to be a no no, untill this addressed the whole Scottish issue is flawed. Claiming independence but influanceing another "country" (ie England) which can not influence yours is so incorrect

They don't

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/5403506.stm

article said:

Scottish National Party leader Alex Salmond said: "I agree with Mr Cameron that English MPs must have the final say on English only laws. That is exactly why SNP MPs only vote on matters that have a direct impact on Scotland.

"However, it is deeply hypocritical that the Conservatives' only MP in Scotland, David Mundell has previously taken part in debates and voted on issues that only affect England."

Members of the British parties (Labour & Conservative, at least, not sure about LD) have voted on Enlgand-only matters. The SNP have not to my knowledge. I think this position would be harder to sustain if tey had a bigger hand in Westminster, just because of the tempting offers they would recieve from other parties, but the SNP are pretty squeaky when it comes to the West Lothian question.

Of course the problem that any "legal" solution would have is (if you actually ban Scottish MP's from voting on "English" matters) that some laws might be dressed up as "English only" even if they applied to Scotland/the UK. Thus giving a means to exclude a large voting block on matters than might be pertinent. The problem would be even worse if you excluded Wales, since the Welsh Assembly has even fewer powers than the Scottish Parliament.

Edited by glazbagun on Sunday 18th October 00:05