LAST week I spoke in a debate in Parliament that during the election campaign, for some, was a hugely important issue; for others the term EVEL will be meaningless.

But it is a hugely significant issues for voters in England.

During the Scottish referendum campaign in 2014, the Prime Minister rightly made a vow to the Scottish people that they will get more devolved power.

As the Scottish Parliament gets more powers the Scottish people will get more and more of a say of how Scotland is governed.

However, in a UK-wide Parliament, where England does not have a devolved Parliament of its own, it is absolutely right that there is fairness for English voters as well.

Currently, Scottish MPs get to vote on laws that only govern England, when English MPs get no say on laws in Scotland.

The EVEL, or English Votes for English Laws, Bill ensures that we do not create two tiers of voters, with the English losing out.

If we do not introduce a Bill of English Votes for English Laws it will mean that voters in Scotland would be voting for their own parliamentarians to make devolved laws but would also perhaps have casting votes on matters that only affect constituents in England.

The SNP would have us believe that this all about creating two tiers of MPs, with the Scottish losing out.

It is absolutely the opposite. Left unchanged, the current situation is one where Nicola Sturgeon can create a law in Scotland, which only applies in Scotland, and then can order her Westminster MPs to vote for precisely the opposite for in England, blocking policies that English voters want.

With the change to the law, the English MPs will get the final say on matters that only affect England.

I think it is fair and the right thing to do.

I do strongly support the extension of powers to the Scottish Parliament, the Welsh Assembly and the Northern Ireland Assembly and further devolution to regions including the South West – particularly Wiltshire – the engine room driving our country – long before talks of any Northern Powerhouse.

We are doing the right thing, but it is surely also right to ensure that we can give a fair deal to the English too, to local residents.

I am holding two constituency surgeries this week and, as ever, if you would like to discuss a local issue or concern please contact me on michelle.donelan.mp@parliament.uk or please call me on (01249) 704465.