To AV or not AV… that is the referendum (Hammersmith and Fulham Liberal Democrats)

Hammersmith and Fulham Liberal Democrats <info@hflibdems.org.uk>

To AV or not AV… that is the referendum

July 29, 2010 11:21 PM

This is going to be the question that voters will be asked in next May's AV referendum :

"Do you want the United Kingdom to adopt the 'alternative vote' system instead of the current 'first past the post' system for electing Members of Parliament to the House of Commons?"

This wording was revealed in the recently published Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill, which will also serve to reduce the number of MMPs from 650 to 600 to ensure each constituency will be more or less of equal size to achieve a fairer voting system.

At the same time and as promised by the Coalition Government, Parliament will be fixed for 5 year terms which will remove the power of future PMs calling a general election at their whim and fancy..

The architect of the constitutional reforms, Deputy Prime Minister and leader of Lib Dems Nick Clegg said:

"With the introduction of these Bills, fundamental reform of our politics is finally on the way.

The Coalition Government is determined to put power where it belongs - with people. You will decide how you want to elect your MPs. By making constituencies more equal in size, the value of your vote will no longer depend on where you live, and with fewer MPs the cost of politics will be cut. And, by setting the date that parliament will dissolve, our Prime Minister is giving up the right to pick and choose the date of the next General Election - that's a true first in British politics."

Let us have your views on these reforms by return of email to: info@hflibdems.org.uk