Tories to tackle 'injustices of union with Scotland'

David Cameron promised to tackle the "unfairness" in the Union between England and Scotland last night as the Tory Party said it was pressing ahead with plans for "English votes for English laws".

Apparently stung by Labour claims that his proposals could threaten the Union, Mr Cameron said that should it come to a "choice between constitutional perfection and the preservation of our nation, I choose our United Kingdom".

But he said that questions such as the Barnett formula, used to guarantee Scots higher levels of public spending - and the fact that Scottish MPs can vote on matters that do not affect Scotland - did have to be addressed.

"It is essential that we seek answers to any unfairnesses in the Union and to questions of accountability, or justice, or democracy," he said.

The Daily Mail first revealed that Mr Cameron plans a major constitutional overhaul to address the inequality caused by Labour's devolution of power to the Scottish parliament.

At the next election, he is expected to propose a ban on Scottish MPs, including Gordon Brown, having a say on laws relating to English schools, hospitals and other policy areas.

Scottish MPs are able to vote on issues that affect only England, but since the creation of the Scottish parliament, English MPs have been unable to vote on the same issues in Scotland.

Tory MP Mark Field said yesterday-he believed Mr Cameron's speech contained an "implicit recognition that the policy of English votes for English laws really is unworkable".

But Tory Scottish spokesman David Mundell denied the speech marked a move away from the idea of English votes on English laws at Westminster.

"In principle, what we want to achieve is that English MPs have the final say on matters which are purely English," he said.

Mr Cameron, speaking in Edinburgh, told English voters not to blame the Scots for free social care, no prescription charges and other benefits being offered north of the border.

"It's not because of the Union that your aspirations are not being met," he said. "It's not because Scotland is taking and not giving. It's because your Government is failing and not delivering."

Justice Secretary Jack Straw said: "David Cameron may claim to support the Union but his policies would destroy it. Mr Cameron's plan for English votes for English laws is dangerous and unworkable."