Next steps on electoral reform ‘presumed lost’

Published: Thursday, July 3rd 2008

‘Route map to reform’ in doubt as road to electoral reform heads nowhere

Reformers have reacted with consternation to today’s publication of the Governance of Britain: One Year On document.

The document, which outlines next steps on all areas of the Governance of Britain programme, has pointedly avoided indicating  any “next steps” on electoral reform, whereas trivial matters such as weekend voting and the status of protests outside parliament have all been presented in mind-numbing detail.

Dr Ken Ritchie, Chief Executive of the Electoral Reform Society said:

“Once again, the status of Brian Haw takes precedence over the health of our democracy, and the needs of some 45 million voters.

“In January the government’s review of voting systems was published on the quiet. They promised debate in their press releases but denied both the House and the country even the most elementary conversation on reform. Whispers on PR and AV emanate from back rooms in Westminster from time to time, but not the promised open, public debate on our elections.

“The British public have had to make do with evasion, subterfuge and back pedalling. In 1997 they were promised a referendum. In 2001 and 2005 we saw that promise watered down to a ‘review’ of our voting systems.  We’ve had that review, but with no plans to act on its findings, or even to discuss them further, where does it get us?

“It is an unusual government that fails to shout from the roof tops when it actually meets a manifesto commitment. In this case it’s a little more understandable.

“In January we heard that we would have to wait on Lords reform before the future of the Lower House would be settled. This casual indifference to the House that actually forms the government in this country is nothing short of bizarre.
   
“Weekend voting is merely a diversion. It’s not when you vote, but how you vote, and just what sort of government that it produces. Do you want a responsive government or one happy to ride roughshod over its own promises? This parliament opened with warm words on route-maps and sweeping constitutional reform.

"One year on: We are still waiting for substance.”

Notes to Editors:

• The Electoral Reform Society has offered this website for the government’s enjoyment: http://www.this-page-intentionally-left-blank.org/
• Governance of Britain: One Year On document was released quietly today at around 5:00Pm. It is available here:
• Summary briefing on the full review’s context is available for download here...
• More detailed material is available for download here...
• The Electoral Reform Society’s own Review of UK electoral systems, which is extensively credited in the Government Review is available here..