James Forsyth James Forsyth

Politics: Does Cameron actually oppose AV? He should

Referendums are a very un-British device.

issue 12 February 2011

Referendums are a very un-British device.

Referendums are a very un-British device. They are, as Clement Attlee said, ‘alien to all our traditions’ of parliamentary democracy. Yet in 12 weeks’ time, we are to have the second nationwide plebiscite in our history. Unlike the 1975 vote on whether Britain should stay in the European Economic Community, this one will not exercise the nation. This year’s referendum will be on the alternative vote, a subject that only excites politics lecturers. But the AV vote could have just as profound an effect on our politics as the EEC referendum.

If the people chose alternative voting, Britain will be heading for an era of lowest-common-denominator politics. Parties will shy away from bold leaders who divide opinion. Instead, the electoral imperative will be to find leaders who alienate as few voters as possible. Butskellism — not Thatcherism — will be the order of the day.

Since 1950, the House of Commons has been elected by the first past the post system.

Comments

Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months

Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.

Already a subscriber? Log in