As Scotland sees more powers devolved to its Parliament, the Conservative Party has set out its own plans for England, which could see the country granted powers to set income tax.
Under the plan English MPs would be able to vote on income tax and the level of welfare payments for the first time. If approved it would see separate levels of income tax in England and Scotland and would seek to redress the devolution issues that many English MPs fear.
Speaking in Parliament, William Hague, the Leader of the House of Commons, said: “This is a fundamental issue of fairness for all the people of the United Kingdom.
“Just as the people of Scotland will have more power over their affairs, so it follows the people of England, Wales and Northern Ireland must have the opportunity to have a bigger say over theirs.”
The tax plans have been set out in a Command Paper published by the Government, which sets out three options for English Home Rule.
The most radical option currently being considered would see English MPs have a separate vote in which they could veto any legislation, therefore forcing the Government to either abolish the proposals or make suitable changes to get the proposal through Parliament.
A second option would see English-only bills go to an English-only grand committee during the second reading of a bill, with the final stages governed by a convention that means MPs from other nations would not vote.
The third and final option sets out a plan that would allow English MPs to amend parts of the legislation that relate to England, with the final vote on the bill open to all MPs from all countries of the union.