Localism: my opinions for what they are worth

The splendid MP for Tunbridge Wells, Greg Clark, is responsible for the government's localism agenda. This agenda is based on the idea that central government should devolve powers, duties etc down the chain to local government and communities. It is part of the mechanism for the 'Big Society', but is distinct from it.

Whilst I might have quibbles over some of the proposals, the general thrust is in the right direction.

Under Labour we have had a form of localism, the devolution of powers to governments in Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland. The unfinished business is how to deal with the West Lothian Question.  I favour the creation of an English Parliament. It is inequitable that the future arrangements of the NHS in England will be voted on by MPs from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. These MPs cannot vote on the NHS in their respective lands as health is a devolved matter. 

What could happen after the next general election is that a majority of English MPs vote on a purely English matter one way, but the vote is reversed when Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland  MPs votes are added. Of course, should Scotland gain independence (which I doubt will happen in the foreseeable future) then the problem is diminished but not resolved, as there will be still the Welsh and Northern Ireland MPs voting on English issues.

In Europe we have had the opposite of devolution. More and more power is gravitating to the European Union from member states.  The EU now has rights of representation at the United Nations and is opening 'embassies' across the world. There is talk of a president of the EU being directly elected.  These are the trappings of a state, to which may be added the pressure being brought to bear for a common fiscal policy across the EU.

The setting up of the eurozone had an inherent weakness in that there was a failure to establish a fiscal union. I am sure the mandarins in Brussels took the long view: it was a risk worth taking as it was a step along the road to greater union and the establishment of a European state.

So, let's have some real localism: establish an English parliament and take back powers ceded to the EU.