SNP Constitutional Affairs spokesperson Pete Wishart MP commented on reports this evening that Gordon Brown is set to announce proposals for House of Commons electoral reform. The Prime Minister will make a statement tomorrow ahead of an SNP and Plaid Cymru debate calling for the dissolution of parliament in the wake of the expenses scandal.
Mr Wishart said:
“We need to hear the detail of what Gordon Brown is proposing, but the Alternative Vote is certainly not proportional representation. And after the shambles of the Prime Minister’s ill-starred YouTube expenses proposals, there needs to be an inclusive decision making process so that we have a real reform agenda which carries broad support and the confidence of the people.
“The last thing we need is another quick fix from Gordon Brown – which is all presentation and no substance – designed to draw attention from the Brown Government’s state of collapse, and which does not stand up to scrutiny.
“Real electoral reform at Westminster is long overdue, but we also need a General Election so that we have a House of Commons that commands trust.
“This debate comes at a crucial time for Westminster, and in the rush by the UK parties to bring forward proposals for reform, they would do well to look to the model of the Scottish Parliament. Most ideas being suggested to reform Westminster have been up and running at Holyrood for ten years – fixed terms, PR, a strong committee system, and total disclosure and transparency of expenses.
“Until Scotland secures independence, Holyrood may have fewer powers than Westminster, but it is abundantly clear that the Scottish Parliament provides the gold standard in setting new standards of democracy.”
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