Plaid Cymru’s Jonathan Edwards MP has launched a stinging attack on the ConDem’s Parliamentary Voting System and Constituency Reform Bill, which will be debated in the House of Commons today (Monday).
Mr Edwards, who will be speaking in the debate and laying a series of amendments to the Bill, said that Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg had made a mess of his own party’s policy on electoral reform, and that it would be disastrous for Wales, with 25% of Welsh seats at Parliament at risk under his plans.
Mr Edwards said:
“The Parliamentary Reform Bill is a total mess.
“The LibDems have tried to link unconnected issues such as voting reform with cutting parliamentary seats – rather than genuinely tackle the need for electoral reform.
“This should be Nick Clegg’s crowning moment but it has been so badly watered down that it makes little difference other than hand his own party some seats.
“Plaid Cymru will be demanding a truly fairer voting system – the single transferable vote. STV would mean that every vote counts in electing an MP, rather than the Alternative Vote which will change little.
“The planned changes to the number of constituencies will cut Welsh representation at Westminster by a quarter – massively reducing our voice on defence, foreign affairs and major economic issues.
“If Wales was to have a settlement with powers over policing, the legal system, broadcasting, and greater fiscal powers, then there would be a case for reduce the number of Welsh seats.
“The LibDems also want to push ahead with holding a referendum on an issue which is of little interest to general public on the same day as the Welsh Assembly elections, putting their party first and hoping to benefit from their UK wide profile in the referendum.
“The Alternative Vote referendum should be held on a mutually-agreed date between the Houses of Parliament and the devolved administrations in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland – rather than allowing our democratically elected Assembly to be ridden over roughshod by LibDems in London.
“Wales needs a strong voice at Westminster while it still has such influence over our daily life here in Wales.”
