Harriett unveils bold Private Member's Bill
30th June 2010
West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin today put constitutional reform on the agenda after presenting her private member’s bill proposal to the House of Commons.
The bill will attempt to address the controversial West Lothian Question, which highlights anomalies in national voting powers for MPs following devolution.
The bill will be titled the Legislation (Territorial Extent) Bill and will require all draft legislation to clearly identify its effect separately for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Harriett’s name was drawn seventh in the ballot to introduce a Bill to the House of Commons – meaning that her legislation will be heard in this new session of Parliament.
Harriett commented: “I have heard from many constituents about ideas, and this one was often raised. I also welcomed a very wide range of other suggestions from the constituency, many of which will be taken up by the Government and many by other MPs higher up the ballot. Private Members Bills must not raise taxes or spending.
“Labour has refused to address the so-called “West Lothian Question”. I was elected on a Conservative manifesto pledge, which stated that we would address the unfair situation of Scottish MPs voting on matters which are devolved.
“The Coalition Programme for Government has undertaken to review the issue. I acknowledge it is not a simple matter to solve with a Bill, but this Bill will allow the House to debate this important issue ahead of the Government’s schedule.
“I know that many of my colleagues in the Conservative party are keen to have a proper discussion on this issue in the House of Commons and I am pleased that so many of my colleagues have offered their support.”
Both current Foreign Secretary William Hague and former Scottish Secretary Malcolm Rifkind have attempted to raise this issue in the House in the last decade. Former Home Secretary David Davis is one of the signatories of Harriett’s Bill.
Harriett added: “This is an exciting opportunity to debate this constitutional issue which has been vexing Westminster MPs since devolution.
“I have already had support from many members of the party and I am sure that the wider country will watch this debate with interest.”
The ‘dummy’ Bill was presented to the Speaker today (June 30). The Bill will be tabled for second reading on February 11, next year, allowing her plenty of time to lobby her colleagues and get enough support to allow the Bill to reach the Committee stage.
