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The English Question needs an answer

Whereas the existance of devolution in London means that a simple "English parliament" is not the best way forwards and having MPs with different voting rights does not resolve the issue, there is no question that the Barnett Formula combined with devolution has created some anomalies as pointed out by Frank Field who said:

The fiscal discriminations cover, for example:

"* frail citizens in Scotland not facing residential care home fees as
they do in England;

"* Scottish citizens being treated with the Lucentis drug for macular
degeneration of the eye while English citizens simply lose their sight
awaiting action from NICE;

"* Scottish students going to University not paying top-up fees of
£3,000.00 per year as do English students going to University; and,
most English citizens paying prescription charges while none face such
charges in Wales.

"These advantages would be entirely acceptable if they were funded by
Scottish and Welsh taxpayers. Yet the Scottish Parliament has resolutely
refused to use any of its fundraising powers and, of course, the Welsh
Assembly has no such powers to employ."

Why are we in England paying for better services in Scotland and Wales than are provided in England?

Comments

WIT AND WISDOM said…
It's a huge elephant in the room. As an Englishman I fear English nationalism. The only way to stop it is to address the mounting grievances of English people, ideally through a much more federal system of government for the whole country.

The chances of this happening are zero so I sadly predict the rise of competing nationalisms within these islands and all the misery and stupidity that entails.
3:10 pm
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