Cameron calls English laws bid 'vital' for the UK

The Conservatives' English manifesto launched today proposes English votes for English laws.

But seven months after Scotland voted to save the union, critics say that the proposals could fuel demands for another referendum and could stoke the flames of English nationalism.

Deputy Political Editor Chris Ship reports.

Launching his English manifesto today, David Cameron said that English MPs would have the final say over income tax and other key policies.

The Conservative leader promised firm proposals from the manifesto would be in place within 100 days of forming a government and full implementation by the March budget.

English MPs will be able to set an English rate of income tax and set budgets and policies for health and schools.

Europe Editor James Matesreports.

David Cameron launched the Conservatives' first English manifesto in Lincoln today, pledging that when Scotland gets new powers of self governance, England will too.

"If English MPs do not have the right to vote on health and education in Scotland, why should Scottish MPs have the right to determine what happens in English hospitals and English schools?" he said.

MPs representing English constituencies will have a veto to block laws that only affect England, they will sit on a grand committee to approve English only legislation, Mr Cameron pledged.

But Ukip leader Nigel Farage said that Cameron has let down the English and is "desperately trying to play catch up".

Europe Editor James Mates reports.

William Hague has said the proposals for English Votes for English Laws would be a "watershed moment for raising taxes in England" and could be up and running within a year.

ITV News' James Mates is at the manifesto launch:

Video: Cameron says English Votes for English laws 'makes UK stronger'

David Cameron has outlined plans for a "better and more balanced economy where it’s not just London and the South-East roaring ahead but all parts of our country".

In a speech, he said the proposals "are not one-size fits all, they are tailor-made for each part of England".

Prime Minister David Cameron has said that the 'English Votes for English Laws' "is not about fragmenting the UK".

Speaking at his party's English manifesto launch, he said: "It's not about division and difference and pulling apart, it is about making our United Kingdom stronger".

More: Cameron: English votes is about avoiding resentment

David Cameron has said that the proposal for English votes for English laws isn't about "fragmenting the UK", but avoiding resentment in a part of the United Kingdom.

ITV News' James Mates is at the manifesto launch:

David Cameron has launched the Conservatives' first English manifesto, with a pledge of changes to ensure that English MPs have the final say on income tax rates in England.

He said: "We are the first major party to do this. The first to fully recognise that keeping the United Kingdom strong means a fair settlement for all four corners of these islands. Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and yes England."

"We do not support English nationalists, we do not want an English Parliament, we are the Conservative and Unionist Party through and through"

"This manifesto simply recognises that the democratic picture has got more complicated in the UK, so beyond our main manifesto, English voters deserve one document, clarifying in black and white what they can expect."

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has accused David Cameron of a direct breach of the post-referendum promise of more powers for Scotland.

It comes as the prime minister is due to set out his English-only manifesto giving English MPs the final say on income tax rates south of the border.

• Read: Cameron promises 'English votes for English laws'