No one is looking for a "partisan fix" to the question of English votes on English laws, William Hague has told MPs as he announced a full day's debate tomorrow on the fall out from the Scottish independence referendum.
The Commons leader made the remarks as he took questions on a brief business statement outlining the short notice change to the week's planned business in the chamber.
Replying to shadow Commons leader Angela Eagle, Mr Hague said: "Across the Government and I think across the House we are all very determined that the commitments made to Scotland will be honoured.
"You said it is right we should consider further devolution and the consequences of this for the rest of the UK. That is quite right and no one is looking for a partisan fix but equally no one should imagine the question of the consequences for England can now be evaded and many of us will want to make that point in tomorrow's debate."
Mr Hague's comments came as Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael published a command paper on new powers to be handed to the Holyrood parliament.
The document outlines the position of the major political parties and lays the groundwork for a commission headed by Lord Smith of Kelvin to draw up detailed proposals in line with commitments made ahead of the September poll.
Replying to Mr Hague's business announcement, Ms Eagle said: "I welcome the debate tomorrow on devolution following the Scottish referendum and the command paper on further powers which has just been published.
"After Scotland's historic decision to remain part of the UK we must now honour our commitment for further powers within the promised timetable.
"It is also right that as we debate further powers for Scotland we also consider further devolution to the rest of the UK to help address the declining trust in our policies and the widespread feeling of dis-empowerment.
"But instead of petty partisan games and 7am announcements, we believe we need a considered process to seek to achieve broad public support as well as cross party agreement. It's why a partisan fix in Westminster just won't wash."
Addressing Mr Hague, Tory MP John Redwood (Wokingham) suggested an immediate change to the standing orders - which set the rules of the Commons - to implement English votes for English laws.
He said: "Can that be tabled urgently and when will you know whether the Liberal Democrats want justice for England or not?"
Mr Hague replied: "This is a matter of fairness for the whole of the United Kingdom and you raise this very, very important issue. There are discussions taking place within the Government under the auspices of the committee I chair.
"I have also invited the Labour Party to attend that committee to put forward their own proposals.
"As I have said publicly, I believe we need to set a deadline and say if we do not have cross-party agreement by the end of November - the same timetable as that for Scotland - then it will be important to test the opinion of the House."
SNP MP Pete Wishart (Perth and North Perthshire) insisted tomorrow's debate must be about Scotland.
He said: "Do you agree this debate has to be about the vow, the solemn vow, promised and guaranteed, made by the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, and Scotland will be appalled if that debate is hijacked by English MPs making it about English votes for English laws?
"Shouldn't it be the Prime Minister who is at the Despatch Box tomorrow to look the Scottish people in the eye and tell the Scottish people the vow will be honoured without condition, with no caveat, and with no reference to any other external condition?"
Mr Hague replied: "As I'm sure you will acknowledge, all three of the leaders of the three pro-union UK parties made very clear the commitments will be honoured. I don't think you should go about your business by trying to frighten the people of Scotland into thinking those will not be honoured when all the political parties are absolutely determined they should be honoured.
"Let me be clear, the debate tomorrow is for all the members of the United Kingdom and it is about the consequences for Wales and Northern Ireland and England, as well as Scotland, and that is entirely appropriate in the United Kingdom Parliament."
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