Devolved polls

Concern has been expressed regarding the coincidence of the next UK elections with those in devolved regions. Given the confusion arising from combining Scottish parliamentary and local elections, such fears are understandable. However, the situation actually offers the tremendous advantage of simplifying matters by rectifying the mistake of not applying devolution to all constituent parts of the UK.

Apart from reinforcing the idea that England equals Britain, this caused duplication of representation in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. There is a simple way to return to single constituency members and thereby reduce expenditure.

Let the next election establish English devolution, so that in 2015 all four parliaments would vote separately. Each would then convene separately in attending to devolved matters, meeting in common assembly to deal with topics relevant to full UK consideration. This would at a stroke solve the "West Lothian Question" and give the country a unified parliamentary system, whereas at present England is disadvantaged with regard to control of purely English affairs.

ROBERT DOW

Ormiston Road

Tranent, East Lothian