The issue of English votes for English laws (EVEL), commonly known as the West Lothian question, refers to whether MPs from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland should be able to vote on matters that affect only England. Some argue that because of the Barnett formula, issues in England greatly affect Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Barnett formula automatically adjusts levels of public spending in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland based on the population of each nation and which powers are devolved to them.
20% Yes |
78% No |
17% Yes |
70% No |
2% Yes, and abolish devolution so all MPs can vote on all issues |
8% No, only for legislation that has cross-border implications |
1% Yes, as long as the Barnett formula is used to determine budgets |
See how support for each position on “West Lothian Question” has changed over time for 796k UK voters.
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See how importance of “West Lothian Question” has changed over time for 796k UK voters.
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Unique answers from UK users whose views extended beyond the provided choices.
@52N94HW3yrs3Y
Yes, only if England can do the same
@92PS3442yrs2Y
Break up the UK into independent states
@9HVFGG54mos4MO
Yes, the UK must be dissolved, Scottish, Welsh, Irish and English must vote only on legislation that affect their own countries, and there should be no common legislation (which is inevitably bound to be always English-led)
@8XF8GBC2yrs2Y
No. Abolish devolution.
@8X92LZW2yrs2Y
Support Scottish Independence
@8WMWL393yrs3Y
Yes, only if the legislation involves their countries.
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