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Electoral reformers yesterday told William Hague to let the public decide who votes on English laws.
The Commons leader set out the Tory blueprint for delivering “English votes for English laws” as a response to handing over significant extra powers to Scotland.
Under the Tory manifesto proposals, which Mr Hague is seeking to put to a Commons vote before May’s general election, policies affecting England alone would be scrutinised by a panel made up only of MPs representing English seats.
A “grand committee” of all English MPs would then be given the power to approve or veto the legislation.
Electoral Reform Society deputy chief executive Darren Hughes said the process “cannot take place behind closed doors.”
He said: “It may seem like the most natural thing in the world to give English MPs a veto over laws that affect only England. But the truth is this proposal would have huge implications for the way we are governed.”
Mr Hughes called for “a citizen-led convention” that would “put people, not politicians” in the driving seat.
