IN the aftermath of the Scottish referendum, it is clear the appetite for devolution has come to England.
The Prime Minister insists that, as the Government considers which powers should be devolved to Scotland, it is only right that, in future, purely English matters should be voted on only by English MPs.
There is also the equally important question of devolution for London, which has a larger population than Scotland.
The Manifesto for London, from the Centre for London think tank, proposes sweeping new powers for the capital, similar to the powers enjoyed by New York and Paris for many years.
The proposals, which would see tax revenue, education, housing and welfare transferred to the control of London politicians, are welcomed by the current Mayor of London, who has called for negotiations with Whitehall to begin at once. Some senior Labour figures have also shown support.
Whatever the exact result of these proposed negotiations, it seems we may be on the brink of one of the largest transfers of powers to London in the 2,000-odd years since our great city was founded.
Exciting times lie ahead as Londoners are poised to take more control of their own destiny.
SYED KAMALL
MEP for London
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