LET US have proportional representation in the UK as Alan Johnson suggested this week. This would give us a good mix of candidates and MPs in Ealing and around the country.
It is not only the current expenses scandal and the economic crises that have caused MPs to lose the trust of the electorate.
The roots go back even further than this. New Labour promised us electoral reform - proportional representation - when they first came to power and later they promised us a referendum on the EU Lisbon Treaty. Neither of these was granted to us and we now wonder why there is such a democratic deficit in this country where our voice is no longer heard or taken seriously.
Our MPs are now calling for reform when the whole system is in crisis, despite smaller parties calling for this change for years. It is no wonder people have become cynical. In the current climate Labour would probably get more seats under PR than first past the post. Is this why they are calling for it now?
Of the smaller parties that would benefit under PR are the Greens and the Lib Dems.
Experience in other European countries shows that in times of crisis the Greens have been called in as partners in Government to reflect the desire for fundamental change by the electorate. Examples are in Germany, Ireland and recently in Iceland following the collapse of its economy.
If we want to have a better future, I hope voters re-thought their allegiances in yesterday's (Thursday) European and local elections.
CONRAD BRYAN
