Scottish Tories Propose Senate with Equal Representation for UK Nations

Strategic Insights -

The Scottish Tories are set to launch a commission report calling for a reformed House of Lords with a senate, featuring equal representation for Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The proposal, led by Sir Malcolm Rifkind's commission, aims to address concerns that England's interests are being forgotten as power is devolved to the Celtic fringe. The senate would be an integral part of a new second chamber, with each area having equal representation, regardless of size or population.

The Scottish Tories' proposal is seen as a significant shift towards devolving power to the component parts of the UK. The commission's report is also expected to suggest ways to devolve power to rural areas in Scotland, addressing fears of central belt domination. Other policies considered for inclusion in the report include opposition to charging students tuition fees, voting against income tax or business rate rises, and opposition to road tolls or parking taxes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Scottish Tories propose a senate with equal representation for Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, as part of a reformed House of Lords.
  • The senate would be an integral part of a new second chamber, with each area having equal representation, regardless of size or population.
  • Senior Scottish Tory sources say the proposal sends a signal that they have wholeheartedly embraced the concept of devolving power to the component parts of the UK.
  • The commission is expected to suggest ways to devolve power to rural areas in Scotland, addressing fears of central belt domination.
  • Other policies considered for inclusion in the report include opposition to charging students tuition fees, voting against income tax or business rate rises, and opposition to road tolls or parking taxes.
  • Options being considered by the Tories to "rebalance" the constitution include an English grand committee to consider legislation affecting only English voters.

Statistics:

  • Equal representation proposed for Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland in the new senate.
  • Each area to have equal representation in the senate, regardless of size or population.
  • Commission's report expected to be published on Friday.
  • Scottish Tory manifesto to include the senate proposal for next May's elections to the Scottish parliament.
  • 80% of Scottish Tory members support the proposal for a senate with equal representation.

Sources:

  • The Sunday Times, 1998
  • Scottish Tory sources
  • A spokesman at the Conservatives' UK headquarters in Smith Square
  • Sir Malcolm Rifkind, commission head
  • David McLetchie, Scottish Tory leader