English MPs will have right to veto measures which only affect their constituencies

will have right to veto measures which only affect their constituencies all MPs continue to vote on all key stages of legislation

continue to vote on all key stages of legislation one nation government fairly balances constitutional settlement as devolution to Scotland and Wales is extended

proposals give decisive say on tax to MPs whose constituents are affected

The government today publishes proposed changes to House of Commons rules which would give English (and English and Welsh) MPs a veto over matters which only affect them and are devolved elsewhere.

The introduction of ‘English votes for English laws’ will see the government strengthen the constitution with changes that make the law-making process sustainable in the long term and fair to all parts of the UK.

Under the plans every MP will continue to have a vote on every Bill. But English MPs will now have a veto in Westminster when debating matters that have been devolved to the Scottish Parliament or the Welsh or Northern Ireland Assemblies.

The proposals will also give the decisive say over tax measures to MPs whose constituents are affected by those changes once further planned devolution to Scotland takes place.

Chris Grayling, Leader of the House of Commons, said:

It’s really important everyone feels our constitutional arrangements are fair, so this one nation government will end the anomaly that a majority of English MPs can be outvoted on matters which are devolved elsewhere. At a time when we’re giving more power to the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Assembly, it’s right the English should have a veto over things that only affect their constituents.

Find out more about English votes for English laws: proposed changes.

Notes to editors