SNP sidelined as only MPs for English constituencies allowed to vote on "English NHS Bill"

MPs tonight voted against Amendment 2 to Clause 1 of the NHS Funding Bill by 300 votes to 163 votes.

Because the Bill relates exclusively to England, only MPs for English constituencies could vote at this stage of the process.

SNP Westminster chief whip Patrick Grady criticised the workings of the English Votes for English Laws (EVEL) legislation as he suggested SNP MPs would walk through the division lobbies in defiance if a vote was called.

It comes during a time of increasing friction between the SNP and the government as the Scottish party push for a second independence referendum.

Speaking during the NHS Funding Bill Legislative Grand Committee (England), he said: "Four days after the UK leaves the EU and the Tory government chooses to display its love for the precious Union on these islands by creating two classes of members in the House of Commons.

"Those who can amend legislation and those who can't, well ... thank you, thank so much, because the polls are showing that support for independence in Scotland has reached 52% and growing, and that is not going to go away.

"Constituents in Scotland will be watching today's proceedings and wanting to know why their MPs are not allowed to vote on amendments that could increase health spending, not just here in England, but across the whole of the UK."

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