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Proceeding contribution from Lord Falconer of Thoroton (Labour) in the House of Lords on Wednesday, 15 December 2010. It occurred during Committee of the Whole House (HL) and Debate on bill on Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill.


Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill

First, I was not a member of the Government that put it forward. I think they were wrong not to have a turnout threshold in relation to it. Secondly, 35 per cent voting for the Government is approximately double the number that could vote for a change in the constitution. The critical point that I am making is that there is not a system in the world in a developed democracy that does not require something out of the ordinary before you make a change in the constitution. Why is that such a common provision right throughout democracies? It is because people understand that to make such a permanent change is much more important than changing a Government—you can throw the Government out in five years or four years, or in our system, even in two and a half years if they lose authority. You are stuck with the change for a long time. So please, on the Benches over there, think not about the result you want, but about what sustains our democracy. A change that comes about through 19 per cent supporting it may not be a change that has legitimate support. So our position—


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
723 c713 
Session
2010-12
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
Subjects
Constituencies Alternative vote Broadcasting Costs Finance Expenditure Electoral Commission General elections Northern Ireland Northern Ireland Assembly National Assembly for Wales Political parties Newspaper press Referendums Loans Media Scotland Voting behaviour Voting methods Wales Scottish Parliament
Legislation
Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill 2010-12
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk