THE MIDLOTHIAN QUESTION

Peter Dolman · THE MIDLOTHIAN QUESTION

This is a question thats been hanging around for a few years and was 1st posed by John Smith (the labour leader who died suddenly).

In Scotland they don't pay prescription charges, tuition fees at university and they don't have SAT tests for kids at 7,11 & 14.

These are 3 things that I am not best pleased with. There are similar differences in Wales and Northern Ireland.

The Midlothian Question is this why should the Scots be able to vote in our (English) general election and therefore decide what happens in England but we cannot vote in the elections for the Scottish assembly?

A little known fact is that the Scottish assembly have £1500 more per head of population to spend on Scottish matters than is available for England. I ask is this fair.

Do we want and need and English parliament rather than a British one?

Debate!

Geddi

What a worthy and welcome topic.

Before I answer, I am going to point everyone in the direction of an interesting character with a view on this matter -

http://www.vernoncoleman.com/becomeindepend.htm

Have a glance at this about why we in England should support an independent Scotland.

(I am all for independence: - Wessex Freedom now! Calne parliament tomorrow)

GTB

I think for an island of the size of the UK having three separate parliaments (England, Scotland and Wales) it is no entirely justified geographically. I believe that the union of our small nations (as it is now) would continue to have a greater voice in international affairs as a single entity rather than fragment our power.

The only reason Scotland wants out is because they have always had a chip on their shoulder where England is concerned.

Peter Dolman

a subject resurrected by comment on another thread and more relevant in todays reality.
Following the report which recommended the Scottish parliament to be able to raise more of their income from income tax rather than the block grant from Westminster.
The scots receive approx 15% more per person than councils in England at present.
We (the english) cannot vote in their parliament but they can and do in ours. the scottish labour MP's have been a big part of their big majority and there seems to have been more prime ministers with a scottish background than english ones.
no wonder they get more than there fair share?

please discuss

nickcordery

Devolution was inspired for several reasons - mainly the fact that the EU consider the UK to have "regions" rather than countries and want to eventually become a state with those regions as part of it; to appease the nationalist parties in those countries which were dissipating the Labour vote which has traditionally been stronger in Scotland and Wales than England; to quell back bench rebellions from MPs elected in those countries and which continue to bolster the labour majority in Parliament.
The costs involved in setting up the assemblies was horrific - typical of any state controlled development- cost over runs, redesigns and then not suitable for the intended purpose.
It would be marvellous if local councils had REAL power to decide matters locally and councillors were elected to actually represent LOCAL opinions rather than political parties.
MPs were supposed to represent the opinions of those electing them but have followed party lines and whips for too many years to change now.
Mmmmmm- just perhaps the current abhorrence of the electorate with the shower in Westminster might enable people to be elected with the intention of representing local views?
At the recent elections the turnout was generally poor - voter apathy with the EU elections resulted in some very odd results !
if only people could grasp that their vote really does matter if enough people bother.

Peter Dolman

but do you think that the english deserve a parliament of their own and is it right that the scots can vote on english matters but the english can't vote on scottish matters, thats the question.

rosco

Peter Dolman

my question was do you think the english should have a parliament of their own?
should the scots vote on english matters when english MP's cannot vote in the scottish parliament on scottish matters

simple really

nickcordery

I already voted for an English Parliament then added my comments - as Scotland and Wales have their own assemblies then their MPs should be there and not in Westminster.
I also believe that it was Tam Dalyell that posed the question but I stand to be corrected!

Chepfer

I'd go as far to say that "The english State" is slowly being eradicted ..... European law directs us and we're lead by a scottish leader.....

A time WILL come when people have had enough of giving up all our english rights for the better of everyone else .....

I think it was a backwards step in having a welsh and scottish assembly ..... It goes against everything that the europe is trying to achieve, ie turn us into one big happy family, led by the germans !.