Lobby for proportional representation

Copy of letters to: Peter Mandelson, Harriet Harman, David Miliband and James Purnell in response to recent constitutional crises. See 'Make Votes Count' for more info and please email them if you can! Address letters to Harriet Harman, David Miliband and James Purnell c/o House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA. You can also email them: harmanh@parliament.uk , milibandd@parliament.uk and purnellj@parliament.uk

Stuart

Dear Ministers,

There is currently an unprecedented opportunity to bring in positive reforms to parliament in the wake of the expenses problem and I understand that you have been asked to consider these.

Can I urge you to bring in proportional representation for general (and local) elections. The majority of people in this country are not represented by a MP or party that they voted for, a situation that PR would drastically reduce. Furthermore, and in Labour's own self interest, the best way to prevent an overwhelming Tory majority following the next election would be if they only had 40% of MPs!

PR has been shown to work in London, Scotland, Wales, and especially Germany where the rainbow coalition produced one of the most stable governments in Europe for over 20 years.

Concerns about letting extremists in are reasonable, but I ask what price democracy? Extremists will not last long - the public are not stupid and will see through them quickly.

You have an unique opportunity to bring in a modern electoral system which will save Labour's face and Labour MPs. This could be done quickly with or without a referendum and be pushed through in the next six months!

And while you're at it, an elected upper chamber wouldn't go a miss!

Stuart