The referendum results haven’t even been announced yet, but the Yes campaign’s myth-making machine is already in full swing. Within moments of the polls closing, Simon Hughes took to the airwaves to dismiss a No vote as a “hollow victory” because of our “false facts and false figures”.
Just as some people on the left never came to terms with losing to Thatcher – blaming the SDP instead – Yes supporters are already peddling the idea that they only lost because the No campaign fought dirty.
So let’s set the record straight on the supposed ‘lies and distortions’ of the last few months:
We did not say the BNP would win seats under AV: The Yes campaign’s not-so-clever tactic has been to deny an accusation we never made. AV helps extremists because they would get more first preference votes – losing fewer deposits along the way – and get more influence over the final result, not because they would win more seats.
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