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Proceeding contribution from Geraint Davies (Labour) in the House of Commons on Tuesday, 2 November 2010. It occurred during Debate on bill on Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill.


Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill

The hon. Gentleman is right and what he says is fair. Inevitably, the media will focus on the UK election and, to a certain extent, the AV referendum. In Wales or Scotland, there are points of difference between different parties on health and education and so on, but they will be overwhelmed by the background noise of the media, which will focus on health and education in England. As the Conservative position on health develops, they might take out the strategic centre of the NHS in favour of a more atomised view. That is in complete contrast with the more traditional NHS model in Wales. However, the media will talk about the prospective changes to England's NHS rather than what happens on the ground in Welsh hospitals. People's understanding of how their hospital works could be quite different from what is actually happening, and they might vote on a false pretext. The power of the media talking about the UK will overwhelm knowledge of what is actually being delivered in local schools and hospitals, particularly among those who do not use such services.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
517 c813-4 
Session
2010-12
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Boundary commissions Constituency size Alternative vote Absent voting Devolution Elections Distribution of seats General elections Northern Ireland Public consultation Referendums Public inquiries Scotland Voting behaviour Voting methods Reform Wales Scottish Parliament Ballot papers
Legislation
Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill 2010-12
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk