Of course, Labour now has no more partisan interest in this than the Conservatives have. Arguably, given the smallness of the Government's majority, it has even less.
But EVEL will be a judgement call by the Speaker on each occasion. And except on legislation relating purely to the internal affairs of the Church of England, the Speaker will in every case rule that the matter in hand was not "exclusively English".
For the perfectly good reason that, except for legislation relating purely to the internal affairs of the Church of England, nothing that comes before the House of Commons ever is "exclusively English".
Other than in ecclesiastical affairs, "English-only measures" do not exist. Everything else has Barnett implications, and the Barnett formula is an integral part of "The Vow". It is to be given the force of law for the first time ever.
This provision may as well be adopted, if that would keep people sweet, or at least quiet. It would never be used, because it could never be used.
Health? Education? E.g tuition fees and dental charges? They're not English-only issues?
ReplyDeleteThen how come, since the last Labour Government, Scotland doesn't have to pay them, while we do.
Health? Education? E.g tuition fees and dental charges? They're not English-only issues?
DeleteNo.
You'll see. Or not see: not see a ruling that this provision applied. Ever.