Lobby Praises British Common Sense Over Electoral Reform

The Put MMP to the Vote lobby today praised the British Conservative and Liberal Democratic parties for rejecting MMP in their plans for electoral reform.

Co-leader Graeme Hunt said the parties had wisely agreed in principle on a referendum for the alternative vote - what in New Zealand is known as preferential voting - for the House of Commons.

"It is not known yet whether the proposed system would include top-up list MPs as in the Scottish Parliament and the National Assembly for Wales but it is clear Britain doesn't want New Zealand-style MMP," he said.

"A British commission on electoral reform came to that conclusion when it visited New Zealand some years ago."

Co-leader Peter Shirtcliffe said the British knew all to well the dangers of full-blown proportional representation at a time when Europe needed stable, prudent government.

"We applaud the common sense being shown by the Lib-Dems and the Tories. I just wish we had that here in our own electoral-reform process."

Put MMP to the Vote is recommending New Zealand voters adopt the supplementary member system, which will halve the number of list MPs and limit the power of minor parties to frustrate the will of the people.

ENDS

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