Proportional representation

A debate will be held on proportional representation for elections to the House of Commons in Westminster Hall on Tuesday 23 April 2019, 4.30-6.00pm.

The debate is sponsored by Angela Smith.

Elections to the House of Commons currently take place using the first past the post system (FPTP). Elections to the House of Commons are a reserved matter and can only be altered by passing legislation in the UK Parliament.

The current Government’s view is that “the First Past the Post voting system is the best system for elections to the House of Commons. The system is well established and understood by voters and provides a clear link between constituents and their representatives in Parliament.”

In their 2017 General election manifestos the following parties included commitments to introduce proportional representation to House of Commons election: SNP, Liberal Democrats, Plaid Cymru, Green, UKIP and the Alliance Party of Northern Ireland.

The Labour manifesto included a commitment to “establish a Constitutional Convention to examine and advise on reforming of the way Britain works at a fundamental level.”