(not satire – it’s the Tories!)

The non-partisan Electoral Reform Society has criticised William Hague’s announcement of the Conservative proposal for giving English MPs a say over England-only legislation, saying such important constitutional changes should be decided by the public, not just by MPs.

Here’s a statement issued today by Darren Hughes, Deputy Chief Executive of the Electoral Reform Society:

“It may seem like the most natural thing in the world to give English MPs a veto over laws that affect only England. But the truth is this proposal would have huge implications for the way we are governed. It’s impossible to isolate this issue from wider constitutional questions about where power lies in the UK. We need to answer those questions in full, but that process cannot take place behind closed doors.”

“A citizen-led Convention would put people, not politicians, in the driving seat when it comes to settling our constitutional future. It’s the only way to answer these difficult questions and come to a settlement that commands legitimacy and respect. It’s time to put an end to these back-room deals and unilateral announcements, whether it’s the Conservatives in England or Labour in Scotland. Let’s give citizens a chance to decide where power should lie in the UK.”

I would agree entirely with the Electoral Reform Society’s position, and would only add that if the Tories want their proposals on the controversial constitutional changes to be taken more seriously, perhaps they should consider changing their slogan from AFUK to something a little less distracting:

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Just a thought.

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