Skip to main content

Proceeding contribution from Lord Wallace of Tankerness (Liberal Democrat) in the House of Lords on Wednesday, 9 February 2011. It occurred during Debate on bill on Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill.


Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill

I do not believe that it is simply mathematical. It relates to the principle of equal value, and one value for one vote. That is not a mathematical concept but a matter of fairness. It is equally wrong to suggest that the provision does not have regard to the cultural and historical matters in Wales. I indicated that to the noble Lord, Lord Elystan-Morgan, in the previous debate. I recognise Wales as a constituent nation of our United Kingdom, but other parts of the United Kingdom have their own historical and cultural importance and ties, as indeed do parts of England as well as England as a whole. What I have not yet heard answered by anyone who has argued the case is why a vote in Swansea should carry more value than a vote in Newcastle, Coleraine or Aberdeen. Each of those other cities have their own importance and distinctiveness, and I have not yet heard an answer to why the citizens of Swansea should have a vote to the United Kingdom Parliament that is worth more than the vote of a citizen in Newcastle, Aberdeen or Coleraine.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
725 c278 
Session
2010-12
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
Subjects
Access Disability Boundary commissions Constituency size Constituencies Alternative vote Administration Absent voting Cornwall Inquiries Isles of Scilly Referendums Ministers Polling stations Reviews Ynys Môn South Lanarkshire Brecon and Radnorshire
Legislation
Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill 2010-12
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk