Proportional representation is true rule by the people | Letters
Letters: Readers respond to Gaby Hinsliff’s defence of first past the post, and Polly Toynbee’s call for electoral reform
Readers have responded to Gaby Hinsliff’s attempted defence of the way we elect MPs to Westminster. It's plain to see that the status quo doesn't work and hasn't worked for years.
09.03.2026 12:28 —
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It’s time to end Britain’s first-past-the-post election lottery
The Gorton and Denton by-election confirmed just how capricious our electoral system has become
"An electoral system should do two things: ensure that the majority rules and that significant minorities are adequately represented. First past the post achieves neither." www.ft.com/content/38d8...
09.03.2026 09:24 —
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MPs are speaking up about the need for proportional representation during debate on the Representation of the People Bill. Do you agree with Manuela that the UK should change how it elects MPs?
08.03.2026 16:26 —
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Calls for electoral reform were raised in the House of Commons during debate on the Representation of the People Bill. Do you think it is time for proportional representation in the UK?
07.03.2026 08:31 —
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📣 "We no longer live in a two-party system, and if we continue to have an electoral system that doesn't acknowledge that fact, we will have, as Professor @robfordmancs.bsky.social says, elections that lead to even more chaotic and unpredictable results."
👇 @chriscurtis94.bsky.social
05.03.2026 16:55 —
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Reflections & Recommendations Webinar – Dunfermline New City Assembly
Dunfermline New City Assembly
ERS Scotland has been working on a citizens' assembly in Dunfermline over the last few months, which is about to publish its recommendations. There is a webinar next week from the Dunfermline New City Assembly team where you can find out what happened. dunfermlineassembly.org/assembly-upd...
04.03.2026 11:27 —
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This week, MPs have been calling for the government to include making parliament representative of how we vote, as part of the Representation of the People Bill. This is a real opportunity for the government to make a difference.
04.03.2026 10:01 —
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This isn't a setting our end, but something you control in your Bluesky account settings under 'Content and Media', as shown in this screenshot.
04.03.2026 09:11 —
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This week, MPs have been calling for a National Commission to build a consensus on a new voting system for Westminster through broad public consultation, deliberation and expert evidence gathering.
04.03.2026 06:01 —
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As the Representation of the People Bill has been working through parliament, MPs have been calling on the government to make the bill live up to its name and give us a parliament that is representative of how we voted.
03.03.2026 19:44 —
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⚖️ "It's the principled thing to do, to ensure every vote counts equally."
💬 Our Vice-Chair @elliechowns.bsky.social also used the Second Reading of the Representation of the People Bill to call for electoral reform.
💯 Most of the public agree: our voting system urgently needs an update.
03.03.2026 15:03 —
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In 2022, the previous government decided that the Electoral Commission, which polices fair play in elections, had to consider the priorities of the politicians it oversees.
So it's fantastic news that last night the current government announced they will be restoring their independence.
03.03.2026 12:57 —
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May 2026 elections: Weekend voting to be piloted in the UK
Findings from the experiment will be published later this year and inform future electoral reform.
Voting on a Thursday, when many people are at work, has some pretty obvious downsides – so it's great to see the government trialling early voting in Tunbridge Wells, Cambridge, and North Hertfordshire in the coming elections. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
03.03.2026 10:23 —
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Lib Dem Lisa Smart MP in last night's democracy bill debate: "Unlimited donations mean unlimited influence. They corrode public trust and distort political priorities. Until we cap donations, we will continue to have a democracy that is for sale." (there's still no plan for a cap on donations)
03.03.2026 10:04 —
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The real lesson to take from Gorton and Denton is for the future of UK democracy | Institute for Government
Westminster is dangerously underprepared for a multi-party future.
"If casting a vote starts to feel more like participating in a lottery than making a positive and principled decision, then voters are going to become ever more frustrated." First Past the Post can't handle multi-party politics. www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/gort...
02.03.2026 10:11 —
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Ahead of the next reading of the Representation of the People Bill, ERS has been briefing MPs with evidence on how to make our democracy more representative – from voting rights to participation and accountability. buff.ly/uNfmU3J
02.03.2026 09:31 —
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