A no vote was always going to put these issues back on the agenda, particularly because returning to the status quo ante was not an option. Under the Scotland Act 2012, a no vote will lead to substantial new powers for the Scottish Parliament, particularly over taxation. Creating greater local accountability for Scottish spending potentially alleviates one perennial English complaint, but further diminishes Westminster's reach into Scottish affairs. During the campaign, political leaders went far further, promising additional devolved powers in areas including welfare and tax. This is creating grievances, including among Conservative MPs.
While the new powers to be devolved remain somewhat unclear, increasingly lopsided arrangements between Scotland and the rest of the UK (particularly England) sharpen the West Lothian question. David Cameron drew particular attention to it in his first post-referendum statement, while William Hague (who will chair constitutional discussions) called it "indefensible" for Scottish MPs to continue to vote on English policy.