WREXHAM MP Ian Lucas has attacked Tory proposals which would prevent Welsh MPs from speaking out on English issues affecting their constituents.

Mr Lucas believes that under proposals being put forward by Sir Malcolm Rifkind, MPs would end up being cut out of discussions on English-only matters such as health policy – even if their constituents were affected by the policies concerned.

Mr Lucas said: "What no-one in the Tory party appear to have understood is that these proposals would deny a voice to MPs whose constituents live in Wales but use services across the border in England.

"The proposals allow for a 'transitional period' because of the way Assembly powers are set up but after this period, they would effectively mean that the Welsh MPs would be denied a voice on issues of vital importance to their constituents.

"This could affect all sorts of issues, from cross-border health arrangements, to speaking up about rail links between Wales and England.

"It seems that the Tories are content to deny the people of Wales a voice – as long as it keeps their core supporters happy."

The Tories say that under thier proposals, a new English Grand Committee - open only to English MPs - would be established to deal with legislation, such as schools and hospitals, relating solely to England.

MPs from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland would continue to sit together in the Commons to vote on UK wide matters such as taxation, foreign policy and defence.

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