Parliamentary Search

Proceeding contribution from Lord Grocott (Labour) in the House of Lords on Wednesday, 10 June 2009. It occurred during Ministerial statement on Constitutional Renewal.

Constitutional Renewal

My Lords, on the voting system, did my noble friend notice the hugely important statement by the Prime Minister: ""I still believe the link between the MP and constituency is essential and that it is the constituency that is best able to hold MPs to account"?" If it is true that maintaining the link between the MP and the constituency is fundamental, does my noble friend agree that any move towards proportional representation will severely diminish, not enhance, our democracy? Further, having seen the evidence last weekend of proportional representation in action—it led, as many of us knew it would, to the growth of extremist parties and did nothing for turnout, which was lamentable under PR—can she acknowledge that it is necessary to have a debate about the electoral system, but the electoral system in Europe, with a view to returning to first past the post?

Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
711 c651 
Session
2008-09
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
Subjects
Disclosure of information Codes of practice Discipline Conduct Allowances Devolution British constitution Freedom of information House of Lords House of Commons Electoral register Internet Electoral systems Misconduct Members Public consultation Parliamentary procedure Peers Public records Young people Regulation Reform Voting rights Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk