IN PARLIAMENT this week we will be debating a matter of fundamental importance to our system of democracy – English Votes for English Laws. The devolution of more power to Scotland was not balanced with a fair approach for England. This has to change.

At the moment when it comes to matters such as education and health Scottish MPs can vote on laws relating to England but English MPs have no such input on many matters relating to Scotland.

The changes being proposed this week mean that English MPs will have the final say over matters that relate to England. These are important changes and will help strengthen our United Kingdom, overcoming an unfairness that has been growing since devolution started.

THERE has been a great deal of speculation about the future of the Hunting Act.

It’s certain that fox hunting excites strong emotions on both sides.

As a Member of Parliament it is my job to put those emotions to one side and to consider the facts.

The current law is clear, farmers are legally able to shoot foxes to keep their population under control – a necessity for some local farmers in Basingstoke who regularly see lambs and other livestock killed by foxes.

What is illegal is killing foxes with hunting dogs. This law is not changing. What is being discussed in Parliament this week is allowing farmers to use more than two dogs when out hunting.

These changes would bring England in line with Scotland but does not ‘repeal’ the Hunting Act.

I respect the fact that some people will not agree with these changes but when the Hunting Act was put in place it was agreed across the board that farmers, who are the stewards of our countryside, need to control the fox population.

These changes could help to strike the right balance, protecting the future of our countryside, which is such an important part of what makes Basingstoke a great place to live.

I WAS delighted to attend both the Hampshire Civic Service and the Basingstoke Civic Service last Sunday. Both events highlighted the important role volunteers play in our county and our borough and were a fitting celebration.

YOU can contact Maria at The Mount, Bounty Road, Basingstoke, RG21 3DD; The House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA; on 0207 219 5749; or email maria.miller.mp@parliament.uk.

Appointments to see Maria at her regular advice bureau can be booked on the above number.