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September 28, 2007
Press round-up - Sept 2007
While we've been talking ourselves hoarse making the case for electoral reform on the Conference circuit, there have been a number of interesting articles in the media about the issue. Here's a quick summary:
Interview with Jack Straw in New Statesman:
Another reform missing from the government's plans thus far is changing the way the House of Commons is elected. Straw, like Brown, remains adamant that the link between MPs and the constituencies they represent should be maintained. He remains unconvinced, therefore, by arguments for proportional representation. But, he says, he would favour a move towards the "alternative vote" system (AV) where people mark a list of candidates in order of preference. This ensures that each constituency MP eventually gets the support of a majority of voters. His undisguised support for AV gives at least a hint of the direction of travel of the Brown government. "I happen to think that first past the post or AV, which is a variant of it, is fairer. The alternative vote has many attractions, including the fact that you have to get 50 per cent plus one in that constituency, therefore you have a greater legitimacy."
Sunder Katwala, General Secretary of the Fabian Society, writing in The Guardian:
Gordon Brown has said only that he is "not closed" to electoral reform. He should use his Governance of Britain consultation to put electoral reform back on the agenda - and to broker a historic compromise: electoral reform without proportional representation. He should indicate he would support changing to the Alternative Vote in a national referendum, as part of a democracy package in Labour's next manifesto, including a second chamber which is 80% elected by PR, and electoral reform for local government. Supporters of PR should find that a compromise worth making to build the historically elusive consensus for reform. It is an agenda which should be pursued with or without Lib Dem involvement. Those with a sense of history should find the case for ending a century of stalemate over both the voting system and Lords reform compelling - especially as this next great Parliamentary Reform Act would coincide with the centenary of Lloyd George's battles with the Lords.
Polly Toynbee, writing in The Guardian, throws down a challenge to Brown:
"How democratic will he be? A very good start needs to be followed by brave steps towards proportional representation. Dare he? Decisive leadership, not 'listening', is required.
Nick Clegg in the Independent, answering a reader's question on "Can a ruling party ever be convinced to adopt proportional representation?"
"The lop-sided distortions of our present Westminster electoral system, producing overcentralised and unaccountable Government, is so out of step with the aspirations of voters these days that I think it's only a matter of time before it changes. We're living on borrowed time – either we make our system fairer, and more accountable to voters and Parliament, or the political class will only have itself to blame as public cynicism and indifference towards politics grows."
Alex Hilton's Comment is Free piece on Lib Dems, coalition and where electoral reform
Hilary Wainwright's editorial for the forthcoming edition of Red Pepper:
"The government says its aim is to build up people’s trust in politics, and in politicians. But isn’t democracy the other way round: is it not about government trusting the people? This involves sharing power, letting go. And that means measures like more autonomy for local government and real pluralism through electoral reform, not building a big tent round the chief."
A letter in The York Press entitled "Time to change the way we vote"
Posted by malcolmclark on September 28, 2007
