Readers of prior posts will be aware that I am not a great fan of the Liberal Democrats. If you weren't aware, I apologise if this opening offends you but do read on.
Recently we have heard much from the Lib Dems on the subject of Lib Dem ideas of democracy and particularly how reform of the House of Lords would be a much needed step in the direction of improving the state of democratic accountability, in the UK.
The House of Lords reform has been shelved because, while the Lib Dems, the very junior partner in the governing coalition, want it, the majority Conservatives, don't.
In a blatant act of petulance and hypocrisy the Lib Dems have now said that they won't support the government (of which they are members!) in its adoption of changes proposed by the independent Boundary Commission. These changes would reduce the number of UK constituencies - so saving money for the beleaguered UK taxpayer and would make the number of voters, in a UK constituency, broadly equal in number.
I don't know about you but having all MPs representing an equal number of voters sounds reasonably democratic, to me. Certainly more so than the current system, which favours the Lib Dems more natural allies on the Left, the Labour Party.
There is always the chance that common sense or decency will prevail and the Lib Dems will take a step back and realise that 'throwing your toys out of the pram' isn't really the best portrayal of a serious political party with any kind of aspirations to play at the top table. Don't hold your breath though!
This past week does though, give the Lib Dems a further opportunity to polish their democratic credentials (some providential being must really care for them!).
In two Manchester constituencies, represented by the Lib Dems at Westminster, unofficial plebiscites were held. The simple question put to voters was around the subject of whether or not a national referendum should be held on the subject of the UK's continued membership of the European Union.
The results showed, in both constituencies, that more than 85% of those voting supported the idea of a referendum. Bear in mind too, that this wasn't some small and possibly unrepresentative polling sample. No, this was on a turnout of 35% of eligible voters. More than voted in the recent local elections.
Think about that number again! 35% of voters were actually bothered to pull themselves away from the TV soaps and the Olympics coverage (well done Team GB, by the way) and whatever else they were doing and go out and register their views.
So here is the opportunity for the Lib Dems. Heed the voice of the people. Be the first major party (ignore for a moment, your opinion poll position versus that of UKIP) to come out in support of a referendum. Think what it would do for your standing, among the people. Your principled stand, to represent the people's wishes, in spite of all your previous blindly slavish following of the profoundly undemocratic EU project will truly demonstrate your democratic credentials.
I hope those that read this blog will forgive my throwing a lifeline to the Lib Dems but I am quite concerned at the unedifying sight of the Lib Dems twisting themselves into knots and contortions while trying to support their hypocritical stance on their version of 'democracy'
Recently we have heard much from the Lib Dems on the subject of Lib Dem ideas of democracy and particularly how reform of the House of Lords would be a much needed step in the direction of improving the state of democratic accountability, in the UK.
The House of Lords reform has been shelved because, while the Lib Dems, the very junior partner in the governing coalition, want it, the majority Conservatives, don't.
In a blatant act of petulance and hypocrisy the Lib Dems have now said that they won't support the government (of which they are members!) in its adoption of changes proposed by the independent Boundary Commission. These changes would reduce the number of UK constituencies - so saving money for the beleaguered UK taxpayer and would make the number of voters, in a UK constituency, broadly equal in number.
I don't know about you but having all MPs representing an equal number of voters sounds reasonably democratic, to me. Certainly more so than the current system, which favours the Lib Dems more natural allies on the Left, the Labour Party.
There is always the chance that common sense or decency will prevail and the Lib Dems will take a step back and realise that 'throwing your toys out of the pram' isn't really the best portrayal of a serious political party with any kind of aspirations to play at the top table. Don't hold your breath though!
This past week does though, give the Lib Dems a further opportunity to polish their democratic credentials (some providential being must really care for them!).
In two Manchester constituencies, represented by the Lib Dems at Westminster, unofficial plebiscites were held. The simple question put to voters was around the subject of whether or not a national referendum should be held on the subject of the UK's continued membership of the European Union.
The results showed, in both constituencies, that more than 85% of those voting supported the idea of a referendum. Bear in mind too, that this wasn't some small and possibly unrepresentative polling sample. No, this was on a turnout of 35% of eligible voters. More than voted in the recent local elections.
Think about that number again! 35% of voters were actually bothered to pull themselves away from the TV soaps and the Olympics coverage (well done Team GB, by the way) and whatever else they were doing and go out and register their views.
So here is the opportunity for the Lib Dems. Heed the voice of the people. Be the first major party (ignore for a moment, your opinion poll position versus that of UKIP) to come out in support of a referendum. Think what it would do for your standing, among the people. Your principled stand, to represent the people's wishes, in spite of all your previous blindly slavish following of the profoundly undemocratic EU project will truly demonstrate your democratic credentials.
I hope those that read this blog will forgive my throwing a lifeline to the Lib Dems but I am quite concerned at the unedifying sight of the Lib Dems twisting themselves into knots and contortions while trying to support their hypocritical stance on their version of 'democracy'
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