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Richmond upon Thames Liberal Democrats:Covering the constituencies of Twickenham and Richmond Park |
Chris Huhne: No reform now means bigger reform later
May 9, 2011 1:02 AM
• [May 08] Chris Huhne writes: THE pressure to change the voting system can't be ignored for ever. The plates have shifted, but the Tories still won't accept change. The election results on Thursday were bitterly disappointing for electoral reformers. A modest change to our voting system was rejected overwhelmingly. The people have not spoken, but shouted. Any good democrat has to accept such a decisive response. The Alternative Vote is now dead and buried. When change comes, as it will, it is likely to be more radical.
. . Last week, David Cameron proved that he is a real Tory, because he fell in line with the long tradition of Tory leaders who resisted devolution, votes for women, and even votes for all men. The Conservative Party only embraces constitutional change after it has happened, but it is very likely that his very personal big No will prove a Pyrrhic victory. The lessons of Irish Home Rule are clear. By resisting even the smallest improvement in our constitutional arrangements, the Conservatives set Ireland on course to the 1916 Easter rising and independence. The rejection of the Alternative Vote, combined with the rise of the SNP, is going to put our political system under unprecedented strain. The failure to release pressure means that the tectonic plates will eventually move further and faster. History shows that the Whigs were right. The world must change if it is to stay the same.
What does all this mean for the coalition? The manner of the No campaign has strained personal relationships, but we have a programme for five years . . We will deliver our part of the bargain. You do not give up on a business contract just because you catch your partner indulging in sharp practice, but there will inevitably be more formality and an insistence on proper procedure. Such formality in government is desirable anyway . . A big boon of coalition should be the restoration of collective decision-making, which is always the only solid foundation for collective responsibility.
Our tough decisions have had an electoral price . . As growth resumes and jobs revive, so too will our support. This is not the time to waver.
• Chris Huhne: No reform now means bigger reform later [Independent on Sunday May 08]
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