Fair Votes Now6 July 2010
Take Back Parliament is a coalition of different groups campaigning for electoral reform.
They believe government should be elected using a fair voting system.
This means the number of MPs elected for each party would better reflect the number of votes the party received across the country.
The coalition is calling for a citizens' convention to come up with the best voting system within a year.
This would be followed by a referendum on the system, so the people could decide.
A more proportional system would mean:
- Everyone's votes would matter, whether your MP has a 'safe seat' or not
- Parliament would better represent the British people.
56,000 voices call for fair votes
Rallies have been held every Saturday in London since the election and in many other cities nationwide.
More than 56,000 people have signed the petition calling for a referendum on Fair Votes Now.
Not fair enough
The new coalition Government has offered a referendum on the Alternative Vote system (AV).
But this doesn't go far enough:
- AV isn't very proportional
It wouldn't change election results much - A convention should pick the best system
People need to have a fair choice
We need a Fair Choice on Fair Votes - not just a yes or no to the system the Government has chosen.
Fair votes, fair future?
Friends of the Earth has been calling for political reform for over a decade.
The current electoral system means parties focus on winning over small numbers of voters rather than grasping the long-term challenges and opportunities our country faces - such as climate change and green jobs.
Andy Atkins, Executive Director of Friends of the Earth
A fairer vote would lead to more sustainable government.
Sustainable Government would:
- Mean more democracy and participation
People's voices would count - Take proper account of local views
Giving more weight to people and the environment - No more tactical voting
People could vote for the planet instead
Call for Fair Votes Now
Nick Clegg has recently called for the Referendum on the Alternative Vote to be held on 5 May 2011.
Add your name to more than 56,000 others who demand fair votes.
© Friends of the Earth
