TORFAEN MP Paul Murphy has warned that Government plans to reduce the voting rights of Welsh and Scottish MPs would lead to ‘constitutional chaos’ and threaten the future of the Union.

Speaking in a House of Commons debate on the constitution, he criticised plans outlined by the Leader of the House William Hague, saying that the concept of ‘English votes for English laws’ was both wrong and impractical: “Of 400 Bills, only a miniscule percentage were purely ‘English’ when you consider all the clauses.

"On top of that, cross border issues and the operation of the Barnett formula mean that Bills almost invariably impact on Wales as well as England. Even if it were desirable, ‘English votes for English laws’ is impractical.”

He pointed out the dangers to the Union of dividing MPs, criticising the Prime Minister’s reaction to the Scottish Independence referendum: “After witnessing the potential break-up of the Union, instead of working to bring our nation together like a statesman, the Prime Minister focused on divisive political point-scoring.

"The Union is threatened by this constant sniping - I can find no other country that has two classes of MP. Even in countries like Spain with a highly devolved system, Members from Catalonia or the Basque country have the same rights as others. I was elected as a Member of the British Parliament, like other MPs, wherever they represent.”

Calling for a proper debate on the issue, he said: “There are issues that need to be dealt with, but the solution lies in devolution within England through the regions and cities, not by diminishing the role of Wales or Scotland in our Parliament. Right now, the Government should think a little more about the integrity of the United Kingdom and a little less about political tactics.”