REGARDING the Scottish referendum, I was very heartened that Scotland voted democratically to remain part of the Union.
So why am I now writing to the Romsey Advertiser and Daily Echo on this matter? Because the aftermath of the promises made to Scotland will profoundly affect politics, and I feel I should explain what UKIP believes should now take place: UKIP is pleased that the Scottish referendum resulted in a ‘no’ vote but we are unhappy that Messrs.
Cameron, Milliband and Clegg saw fit, without an electoral mandate, to make a last-minute vow to Scotland for increased powers and the continuation of the Barnett formula.
UKIP wants a new constitutional settlement for the UK which includes a fair deal for the 86 per cent of the UK’s population who live in England.
UKIP demands: A) English-only votes in Westminster. The leader of UKIP, Nigel Farage, has written to all Scottish MPs asking for their commitment not to vote on English matters that would otherwise fall within devolved powers if they relate to Scotland.
B) A revision of the Barnett formula. UKIP wants a full debate and vote in the House of Commons to rebalance this arbitrary and out-of-date concept.
C) No taxation without equal representation – new boundaries for Scottish constituencies so that the average number of constituents more closely resembles that in England.
D) A Constitutional Convention to rapidly establish a plan for a Federal UK.
UKIP believes these reasonable requests are vital to retain the confidence in a United Kingdom in which so many powers have been devolved.
SANDRA JAMES, UKIP PPC for Romsey and Southampton North.
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