Well Done Gordon English for the English

MP launches petition for English Votes for English Laws

Sittingbourne & Sheppey MP Gordon Henderson has launched a petition in support of English votes for English Laws.

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement of his commitment to deliver “English votes for English laws” in his speech at the Conservative Party Conference, Gordon and a number of his parliamentary colleagues from across England are organising similar petitions to present jointly to Parliament on February 24.

Gordon Henderson MP said,

“I support fully the principle that MPs should only vote on those issues that directly affect their constituents. With so many powers now devolved to the various countries within the UK, it is right that matters which only affect England should be decided by English MPs only.

“In terms of how ‘English Votes for English Laws’ should be delivered, I support the proposal to amend Standing Orders so that where a Bill, part of a Bill, or Motion, applies only to England, a Member representing a constituency in a part of the UK to which legislative power has been devolved may speak but not vote in proceedings relating to that devolved matter.

“I believe in two key principles.  First, Bills and Motions coming before Parliament should be clear about which part or parts of the UK they apply, and second, if there is serious doubt about whether a matter affects the whole of the UK then the whole House should decide.”

Those wishing to support ‘English votes for English Laws’ by signing the petition can download a copy from http://www.gordonhendersonmp.org.uk, or by contacting their local Conservative Councillor.

Closing date for signatures is Monday 16 February.

ENDS

Notes for news editors

The petition will be presented to Parliament on the evening of Tuesday 24 February. It reads:

The Petition of the residents of Sittingbourne & Sheppey,

Declares that the Petitioners believe that when Parliament makes decisions affecting only the people of certain countries of the United Kingdom then those decisions should be made only by the Members of Parliament elected to represent those particular countries; and

Further notes that Members of Parliament representing Scottish constituencies are entitled to vote on issues where responsibility has already been devolved to the Scottish Parliament, and that devolution is being extended further following the Scottish independence referendum.

The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons creates fairness in the devolution settlement by ensuring decisions having a separate and distinct effect on certain countries of the United Kingdom, are decided only by the Members of Parliament elected to represent these particular countries.

Contact Information

Gordon Henderson - MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey

House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA

Telephone: 0207 219 7144

Mobile: 07866 719923

Constituency Office

Top Floor, Unit 10 Periwinkle Court

Church Street, Milton Regis

Sittingbourne, Kent, ME10 2JZ

Telephone: 01795 423199