Politunnel backs Ed Miliband and picks apart Caroline Flint

Just wanted to commend Ed Miliband on backing Yes to AV, a principled reformist stance believing in more power for people and against seats for life. He clearly believes in democracy, in better representation and a fairer distribution of seats and a system where the winning candidate has majority support

Caroline Flint of Labour No to AV campaign needs to come up with better arguments for her cause. Here's the interview from the BBC link


To quote Caroline Flint
"I think there are very strong views in the Labour party about supporting First Past The Post,

1. Its a very strong link to constituencies...
?? Does AV weaken the link to constituencies, No, nothing changes??

2. I think its a vote for something, rather than a vote against something, which is what I think you get with the alternative vote.
??Because tactical voting isn't required in the FPTP system and never occurs??

3. And I think its also about not allowing the fringe parties to have more of a say in our elections, and you know I think that's very important and I know throughout the Labour party, at all levels, people feel very strongly about that."
??But fringe parties won't benefit from AV, indeed it may be harder for them to get an MP, however, the second preferences of the smaller parties will be divided up. FPTP disenfranchises every voter who doesnt back a winner, The difference is that AV gives you a vote that really counts and more of a say on who your local MP is. If your first choice gets knocked out your vote is transferred to your second preference. Whether you just vote 1 for your favourite candidate or list a preference for every candidate on the ballot ONLY ONE VOTE WILL BE COUNTED!??


Spotify tune for this one Fatboy Slims 'Weapon of Choice'


Apologies for lack of blogs, in world of thesis at the moment