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Electoral Reform
08 June 2020
Lead MP
Wendy Chamberlain
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
ClimateBrexitDemocracy & ElectionsStandards & Ethics
Other Contributors: 3
At a Glance
Wendy Chamberlain raised concerns about electoral reform in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The MP argued that the first-past-the-post electoral system is unfair and unrepresentative of voters' preferences, leading to disproportional outcomes in terms of seat allocation. She highlighted the disparity between vote share and parliamentary representation for smaller parties like the Greens and the Brexit Party. Wendy Chamberlain emphasised the need for a more proportional voting system to foster cooperation and consensus in governance, particularly as the UK faces challenges such as climate change and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The speech also touched on the potential benefits of proportional representation systems seen in other countries, where they promote greater diversity in government composition and pluralistic decision-making.
Layla Moran
Lib Dem
Central Aylesbury
Asked Wendy Chamberlain if she agreed that England should follow the Scottish model of allowing 16 and 17-year-olds to vote.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
St Austell and Newquay
Agreed with Wendy Chamberlain's view that current politics is overly divisive, hindering consensus-based governance.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Suggested that both systems have merits and highlighted the benefits of proportional representation in Northern Ireland.
Government Response
The Minister defended first-past-the-post, emphasising its ability to maintain strong constituency links and provide clear accountability. She noted that while a referendum rejected changing the system to an alternative vote, there is still room for improving electoral integrity through modernization of laws and increased transparency in political campaigning. The Minister also addressed the age of voting eligibility at 18, arguing this aligns with broader legal frameworks, although she acknowledged devolved nations have the autonomy to set their own voting ages.
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About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.