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AV EDM: Mischief Makers out in force
Published: Tuesday, July 27th 2010
The Electoral Reform Society has criticised 40 Conservative MPs who have signed up to an Early Day Motion (EDM) proposing changing the date of the forthcoming referendum on the Alternative Vote.
The move is described by the Society as an attempt to ‘sabotage’ the referendum in parliament.
Recent news suggests that figures in both Labour and Conservative are mobilising forces to block the bill with proposals for both thresholds and date changes discussed in recent days. [2]
Ashley Dé from the Electoral Reform Society said:
“Well the mischief makers are now out in force. This EDM is frankly sabotage dressed up with a few principles. We doubt anyone in Scotland will see the work of these 40 English Conservative MPs as a heartfelt defence of devolution.
“The Old Guard want to derail this referendum in parliament. We want a national debate, but it seems some members have little confidence in their own arguments.
“Labour and Tory MPs are drawing ranks. Those talking ‘Brokeback Coalitions’ might pause to contemplate the strange bedfellows they’re making to block the passage of this referendum.”
“The Old Guard want to derail this referendum in parliament. We want a national debate, but it seems some members have little confidence in their own arguments.
“Labour and Tory MPs are drawing ranks. Those talking ‘Brokeback Coalitions’ might pause to contemplate the strange bedfellows they’re making to block the passage of this referendum.”
[1] 40 Tory 'Brokeback' rebel MPs in first move to scupper voting reform
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1297937/40-Tory-Brokeback-rebels-scupper-voting-reform.html?ito=feeds-newsxml#ixzz0usuQirpA
[2] Clegg facing double blow as Tories revolt on vote reform
http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/news/Clegg-facing-double-blow-as.6435814.jp
Contacts
For more information, comment or interviews please contact the Society’s Director of Communications Ashley Dé on 07968791684
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