Havant MP Alan Mak, an elected member of the influential House of Commons Procedure Committee, has been at the forefront of efforts in Parliament to implement English votes for English laws (EVEL), a Government policy which addresses the so-called “West Lothian Question”. The Commons voted on EVEL on Thursday 22nd October, approving the plans by 312 votes to 270 following support from the Procedure Committee.
The Commons Procedure Committee examined the likely practical operation of the Government’s proposals, recommending that the Speaker establish and publish a protocol for how he will handle any representations made to him about certifying Bills as England only, or England and Wales only.
The Commons Procedure Committee also asked the Government to ensure that the new EVEL procedures must not result in any reduction in time or opportunities for all MPs to scrutinise legislation, which the Government agreed to.
Alan Mak MP welcomed the conclusion of the report by the Procedure Committee, which states that “The Committee will continue to monitor the piloting of the proposals, if they are introduced, and will undertake a technical assessment at the end of the Session.”
Commenting, Alan Mak MP said: “I’ve been leading the charge for English Votes for English Laws in Parliament because England deserves a strong voice. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own devolved governments and its time England got more say over its future in Parliament. During the election campaign, people across Havant supported this policy and I’m glad to help deliver it in Parliament as their local MP. ”
Leader of the House, Chris Grayling MP, the government minister responsible for EVEL said: “Our planned changes to the Standing Orders of the House of Commons deliver our commitment to introduce English votes for English laws. We are determined to strengthen the Union – we are devolving more powers across the United Kingdom, and now is the time to give the English more say over their own destiny”