Carmichael welcomes historic Lib Dem vote on electoral reform

Responding to the House of Commons voting for a Liberal Democrat Bill, led by Sarah Olney MP, which would enact electoral reform via proportional representation by a margin of 138 to 136, Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael said:

“This is an important moment for the fight for fairer votes. I am grateful to my colleague Sarah Olney for leading the charge on this bill and to all the MPs who backed it.

“Faith in the political system is far from where it should be. Too many people feel their votes do not make a difference or that their views are not represented properly because of safe seats and “wasted” votes. The best way to fix that is by introducing fair votes under proportional representation, so that everyone’s voice counts – which is why the Liberal Democrats have long advocated for this reform.

“This is only one stage of legislation and it may go no further at this point but even so, this is – to my knowledge – the first time that a bill advocating proportional representation has passed a vote on the floor of the House of Commons. That alone is a sign of the progress that is being made. If they are sensible the government should now make time for the legislation – so that we can work together to deliver fair votes for all.”