West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin’s long-running campaign to attempt to solve a complex constitutional issue took a further step forward today with the publication of Conservative proposals on the voting rights of English MPs. One of Harriett’s first actions as an MP was to bring a Private Member’s Bill before Parliament to attempt to change parliamentary procedure to clarify the voting powers of MPs from each of the four nations in the United Kingdom. Although the bill was defeated at its third reading, the Government agreed to set up a commission led by constitutional expert Lord McKay and he reported to Government in 2013. Today, Leader of the House of Commons, William Hague announced proposals which will bring forward some of the solutions proposed by the McKay Commission. The issue was brought into focus after the Scotland voted to reject a referendum to gain independence from the UK. The proposals give English MPs a veto over legislation – including income tax – that only affects England. Harriett commented: “The Conservative Party’s 2010 manifesto included a pledge to solve the West Lothian Question and my Private Member’s Bill was an attempt to solve the issue ahead of the Scottish referendum. “The McKay Commission, to which I gave evidence, has reported back and I welcome these latest steps to attempt to secure a solution to this complex constitutional issue. “The latest proposals are an important step in the right direction.”