Next week we’re to vote on a referendum on electoral reform but only on the alternative vote. That is, change for those who don’t want change. It doesn’t change anything much. It’s right to consult the people but not on something they don’t particularly want.

We should have a referendum on changing the voting system to proportional representation and hold it on the same day as the general election.

 

Labour’s split on PR yet we’re not deciding on a system we want, but offering the people the chance to say what they want.

 

That’s clear. A system which delivers seats in Parliament in the same proportions as people vote for them, not one which gives us excessively strong government by effectively discounting the votes of anyone who votes for minority parties or for losing party in safe seats.

 

PR gives people a stake in the system with the parliament they want and voted for.

 

Look at New Zealand. The Kiwis were given the chance to vote for PR and they grabbed it. Their system is now working well and the elective dictatorship is abolished.

 

It’s agony for me deciding whether to vote against the referendum because we’re consulting on the wrong issue. I hope to have made my mind up by the week after next.

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