MPs vote for PR - and win! Sarah Olney MP's Ten Minute Rule Bill

[@jaytee2443]

We must create a system where MP’s are held accountable for their actions.

[@craigs71]

They need to remember that we are their master and they aren't ours!

[@benhopwood5321]

There is a system but it's made up of broken and corrupt met police and judges!

[@kevinhui7051]

​@craigs71 Unfortunately, the Tories have been acting like this in the last 14 years 😢😢😢 Damage is done😢😢😢

[@humptydumpty9177]

@@kevinhui7051 Don't allow you prejudice to cloud your judgement, Labour are equally as bad!

[@Saintash1964]

Never Going To Happen

[@skysurferuk]

"Becoming disenchanted"? The understatement of the century.

[@firstnamelastname-bu1xm]

lol it is. like we were ever ✨enchanted✨

[@KentVigilante]

We got disenchanted but didn't get any mats for doing so, feels like big scam

[@Ashtarot77]

​@@KentVigilanteWoW Player? 😅

[@Jon-es-i6o]

Labour running this country with a 20% marginal vote. It’s laughable!

[@MyraRobertson-l8c]

There is no trust in government. I agree the conservatives are a shambles. Labour need to step up too.

[@petermillist3779]

The most refreshing common sense I’ve heard in parliament for years!

[@Buddha2024-w7y]

Apart from the fact, it ends voter ID.

[@johnholmes5674]

Shariah law another step closer

[@klopp69320]

An MP doing the job there paid to do and saying in parliament what the whole country are thinking and saying but photo ID must stay as that would stop fraudulent voting

[@celianorris7042]

​@@johnholmes5674not going to happen

[@drcommonsense1]

​@@Buddha2024-w7ywhat's wrong with that? It's the norm now and seems to work fine. What's your excuse against it?

[@colynnburrell]

Nice delivery. Very clear. Very concise. In fact I'd like to hear this MP more often on SERIOUS matters such as this.

[@davidmiller1215]

Me To

[@aidenfreedom]

She is misleading you down a blind ally!!!

[@derek68able]

We need a total revamp of parliamentary process , this is a great start.

[@aidenfreedom]

Agree with "we need a change of parliamentary process" but not PR, that will be a disaster if it were to ever take place here, look at the European Union with its PR? Where is that heading right now?

[@normankyle7831]

Should be able to vote politicians out of office if they claim excessive amounts in expenses.

[@1ForTheShieldz]

Should be able to vote politicians out of office

[@MS-19]

@@1ForTheShieldz We can. It just requires enough support for one or another of their opponents in the seats they contest at each election.

[@MS-19]

@normankyle7831 Some politicians cannot help having high expense bills - those representing constituencies in the far reaches of the UK (Cornwall, northern Scotland, Northern Ireland) have to divide their time between those constituencies and Westminster on a weekly basis. They are inevitably going to have to do a lot more travelling at greater expense, as well as paying large bills for accommodation (or even maintaining two homes) simply to carry out their duties effectively.

[@chrismaguire3667]

Weneed *Mid-Terms* as they do in the US. Not arbitrary bye-elections to replace retiring, sacked or dead MPs. Mid -Terms are meant, at least try, to keep Congress, in the US, honest and accountable (though even they can be, um, manipulated). We in the UK just *cannot* have to wait 5 years between GEs, and even then have to wait for the sitting PM to call a date, like F1 cars idling behind a race leader waiting for him to decide to take off, trying to surprise the pack, to gain an advantage, after a safety car incident. SMH...

[@drcommonsense1]

​@MS-19 but that is reasonable. I think OP refers to instances where expenses are not justified to the work. Like if I claimed a night out with my friends for dinner and drinks my company would straight reject that expense. Or if I needed to fly abroad but chose first class and the most expensive hotel there was, that would seem excessive and unjustified. Claiming for multiple homes etc. The public need more transparency.

[@stevesmith7943]

Fully support this, the FPTP process was created for a two party Parliament and doesn’t provide democracy to the voters of the UK.

[@johnbraithwaite863]

No... It was not. It was created so that local areas had a person who they elect to represent them inside the parliament. You're just arguing for a party to put a random person in power then you have to hope that they care about whatever backwater you're from.

[@charliemoore2551]

@@johnbraithwaite863 There are lots of ways of dealing with that. Multi-member constituencies with single transferable vote or the D'hondt top-up system used in Scotland or, preferably, a combination of these would give both robust local representation and national proportionality. The current system gives neither. It is possible for someone to win a constituency with less than 50% of the local vote and for a government to be elected by a minority.

[@johnbraithwaite863]

@@charliemoore2551 There is nothing wrong if a minority wins a majority in the Parliament, it's job is to govern, I do not want a hundred years of weak government and populist parties taking advantage of the system to push through extreme ideas because the largest party can't form a government. I didn't even vote for labour but I promise you that you wont like where this goes.

[@sarumano884]

Surprisingly, FPTP was only brought in in 1950. At the time, it was the least worst system.

[@conveyor2]

@@sarumano884 Wrong. It goes back to the very first elections.

[@Foxpest]

Sarah Olnley well done you, very well done. Thank you a voice in the midst of present chaos.

[@RichardVassie]

Aye, but will Heir Keir Two Teir Stammer of no Fixed penthouse support this, Heir Keir Two Teir Stammer is a Marxist leninist of the worst order.

[@georgehughes5703]

Well done for what? Not asking for PR?

[@Lenn006]

Not practicing what she preaches?

[@stevioAda]

she thinks voter i.d. is undemocratic

[@junehitchcock170]

Nope I do not agree with her about getting rid of voter ID! It is absolutely essential to ensure only people who are citizens are allowed to vote in UK.

[@pauleaton443]

Im not a Lib Dem supporter,but this lady has got it spot on...well done and thankyou 👏👏👏

[@aceman0000099]

I wouldn't vote lib dem - unless we had proportional representation!

[@aidenfreedom]

You are i believe being mislead!!

[@aidenfreedom]

@@aceman0000099 Exactly, so you have fallen into her trap, thats exactly what she wants to take power over you and me, look at Europe and the state it is now in after the time it has executed PR?

[@pauleaton443]

@aidenfreedom I make my own mind up,I don't follow the crowd. It's why I don't trust BBC News, or Sky..

[@aceman0000099]

@@aidenfreedom what now "Mr freedom" 😒

[@mrgoodintent]

At long LAST........The lady has hopefully woken up the people of UK. WELL SAID!!

[@32ewing]

scotland wales way ahead as usual

[@christophertaylor1708]

This is only the beginning. There will now have to be a white paper, then a first and second reading and then the House of Lords. We can only cross our fingers and hope that this is a way past these corrupt and self satisfying main party’s .

[@craigs3007]

Much as I support the idea, I highly doubt that a party that has won an election under FPTP would bring forward any measures to replace it. Indeed, under that system, far from having a 150 seat majority, they would find themselves having to form a coalition. So I have no great hopes that they will do anything about it - even if they did vote in favour of it at their conference. But as a beginning, it is a good step.

[@ChrisAndCats]

Labour will likely fight this tooth and nail.

[@sfsnedker1467]

Con- Lab will not give it a chance, unfortunately.

[@Nine-Signs]

@@ChrisAndCats and do you think the Tories wouldn't ? ReformUK wouldn't? they are all in the same pockets of the minority rich above us all. First past the post is what ensures the largest minority of voters can always be pushed to voting only ever for a centrist to a right winger no matter the party, which ensures nothing can nor will ever change for the fortunes of the top 1000 richest British people whose fortunes doubled from 700 billion combined to 1.5 trillion combined, just in the last 5 years while the majority workforce below was dying and going bankrupt from Covid and inflation spikes caused by their proxy wars in service of NATO for profit expansions at any externalised cost to the lot of us.

[@garygavin857]

This appears on the surface a simple idea. Until you examine Europe with its decades off PR. There its down to a fine art in how too dissipate your opponents. Plus it ensures that the populist hideous vote can be blocked. Thats why France is stagnating & going bust. Germany is kaput as an economy. Denmark is trampled by the EU like Poland. Plus they use tarrif wars as the last protectionist barriers. In principle it looks a no brainer. But theory & reality do clash. Can you vote for none off the above. I don't think so. She nearly said the import the vote , but caught herself in time. Politicians are really are good at crashing economies and destroying credibility. The democratic Deficit is on them. Just like GDP to Debt ratio off 98%. Nice pitch . avoided all the pitfalls. Unity is in very short supply.

[@basil8260]

We want proportional representation and an end to lobbying, you work for us not billionaires!

[@ABWEndon]

PR is very dangerous. Alternative Vote or STV would be much better. I agree that FPTP is an unfair system.

[@SeanJacksonTutorials]

@@ABWEndon I wonder if they will even ask the people their opinion or just go ahead. I'd prefer a prime minister elected by popular vote, personally.

[@guyfromtheplaceshown3690]

​@@ABWEndon What is your fears regarding this?

[@KentVigilante]

@@ABWEndon I think our whole system should be scrapped and have us adopt the US system of state elections, so all of say "Kent" counts as one constituency and "Essex" as another and so on, that way it tallies up the votes of everyone in those counties/regions.

[@Dasius2]

@@ABWEndon Those are both forms of PR and quite similar. I think you were referring to "party-list" type thing where you just vote for which party you want and the parties allocate seats themselves and if so, I agree that this isn't a good way of doing it. There is also the additional member system where you vote for a candidate and a party, the candidate is FPTP but the party votes get totalled nationally and a "share" of seats is determined and any party that doesn't have that many candidates already elected gets to elevate some of their people to MPs(without specific constituencies) up to that share. I prefer STV/AV as voting for a party doesn't allow the voter to choose the candidate that ends up being elevated. In STV/AV, at least the people being elected have received a proportion of the vote whereas in the other systems you could get someone everyone hates just because the few people in the party likes them.

[@semajllene1]

Absolutely awesome speech beautifully and articulately delivered with actual facts and figures that make sense. Thank you, this is what politics should be delivered as not the bickering school playground antics we have had to endure over recent years. It was an absolute pleasure to watch and listen to that speech. Thank you.

[@maddoc79]

Apart from the ID part, proof of ID needs to stay

[@pelvist]

Facts? Did you miss the part where she called to scrap voter id and said that it is "undemocratic"? They want FPP scrapped (which I agree with, who wouldnt?) but they also want voter ID scrapped so that anyone who anybody from anywhere can vote. That should tell you what her true motive is. Never trust the lib dems, they are worse than Labour and Tories put together. They are the UKs version of the corrupt US democrat party.

[@michaelillingworth6433]

Would more people vote if we had PR. At the moment we seem to be stuck with the uni party. How many people are fed up with the Conservative and Labour Parties. Time for a change.

[@OanKnight]

This is huge - why is this not getting more attention?

[@DontScareTheFish]

Probably because it will go nowhere. Look at what happened in 2011. Too many people decided the proposed version of PR was the wrong sort so they stuck with FPTP

[@MakeBritainGreat]

Labour will stop this during readings because it would massively advance Lib Dem and Reform. It is of course the fairest method.

[@kathhardy7076]

@@MakeBritainGreat need to remove that ‘forced voting on party lines’, good example of that is the way the withdrawal of winter fuel allowance passed in commons with only a few having the strength of their opinions to abstain - their only way to object as had they voted against they would have felt the party wrath.

[@Doc959]

I hope not. Democratically, this is the right thing to do. There are corrupt politicians who will stick to FPTP, I'd like to think that there are sufficient politicians who will act with integrity.

[@Doc959]

​@@kathhardy7076PR may solve this. In PR majorities are notoriously slim, so the whip won't be removed unless you've done something seriously bad (like start a war or something)

[@ghollidge]

I believe that this would split the labour party. A lot of members of Labour would see this as future proofing their seats

[@kathhardy7076]

@@Shroomboy81 I need I’d to open a bank account, get a passport, etc etc shouldn’t be any problem with showing id to vote (personally I’d be happy if we were all fingerprinted and used our fingerprint to vote, see how quickly computers can through up the double registered voters).

[@davidbarlow350]

It's not perfect but it's a damn sight better than what we have at present. We also need a Swiss style referendum system for a better democratic census. Nice to see SOME MPs bothered to turn up!

[@susanmills4843]

The regime side looks a bit empty.

[@phoenixreborn6065]

Agreed

[@erikthenorviking8251]

​@@susanmills4843An empty taxi pulled up... and Starmer got out.

[@lostintranslation1957]

It is actually not, well, not for the system that this woman is going for. It is a corrupt system and produces Sadiq Khan's on minor votes.

[@jaccar2020]

We need more involvement more referendums.

[@df83105]

Proportional Representation must happen for our democracy to survive and thrive.

[@dutchy7712]

We don't live in a democracy

[@alistairhackney]

Not right now we don't, we're under a regime​@@dutchy7712

[@markshrimpton3138]

PR will result in the overnight formation of Islamic parties committed to shariah law here in Britain.

[@gerardphillips7507]

We have never had a democracy...

[@nealc.6927]

Right. Cos it's worked so very successfully for Italy. We're on our 30th Government or so since the end of WW2. In that same period, under PR, Italy have gone through @ 70 - SEVENTY!!

[@kennyc3670]

I have lived in the Labour-controlled city of Coventry all my life. Since reaching voting age I have ALWAYS voted Tory or lately Reform. I am now 80. My votes have NEVER counted. So, YES to PR or STV or any system where voters KNOW their votes will finally count.

[@stevenstocker9873]

Now a news media reform bill is needed.

[@tonymmorris]

Someone seems to be listening to the people..... Finally

[@Lenn006]

Is she tho? Have you tried to contact her and ever got any reply?

[@johnpaulporrelli6208]

Just saying what she needs to keep people on her side

[@Daeraxia]

You are aware the lib dems have been trying to get a fair voting system for a very long time? When it came up for the vote 'the people' voted against it.

[@tasospapanastasiou4240]

About time too! PR is essential for democracy to thrive!

[@danpalmer7676]

I agree,i have always been in favour even when the party i voted for won the election.You cannot have a system where a party win 18% of votes and end up with 4 M.Ps (later upped to 5) It will encourage more people to vote as they won't feel their vote won't matter and it will also stop the stupid tactical voting fiasco.

[@kevincarbb2819]

no overall majority will result....we will be like Italy and others with this system and have general elections every 18 months

[@MS-19]

@@kevincarbb2819 On the other hand, we could be like Germany where the constitution requires a four-year gap between the assembly of the Bundestag and the next election.

[@chrisvoiceactingvoiceover1431]

Wrong, wrong, wrong. Look at France: the most popular party by far - Le Pen’s - was squeezed out of the possibility of governing because the other parties colluded to ensure that outcome. Proportional Representation is NOT flawless and is no panacea.

[@christophersmith8316]

Absolutely not. The minor parties made a corrupt bargain, but PR means that NO MPs need to care about their constituents. Fraud in London will rule all

[@Cromwelldunbar]

Excellent! Have been calling for this for donkeys’ years!

[@polaris7122]

No chance whatsoever of this happening!!

[@craigs71]

@@polaris7122 I unfortunately agree, they will never allow PR as it goes against their corrupt current FPTP system.

[@polaris7122]

@@craigs71 Yes, the 2015 election was the best example of its deficiency. UKIP had over 4 million votes, the third-highest share of the vote, and gained 'ONE' seat. Under a PR voting system, they would have had over 80 seats, but turkeys don't vote for Christmas!

[@Buddha2024-w7y]

What of voter ID? This is the Lefts attempt to sneak in foreign votes via students and their families and by illegal immigrants along with PR, which is wanted and needed.

[@georgehughes5703]

The Clegg/Cameron referendum wasn't donkey's years ago.

[@charlesfarran1717]

At last! This is badly needed and urgent.

[@Dana-ml7sy]

There should be PR! Voters must have a voice!

[@klopp69320]

This is a fantastic speech by this lady she is showing all other MPs how they should do there jobs MPs are paid to be there for there constituency and not one is doing the job there paid for all there INTERESTED in is CLAIMING as many freebies as possible and claiming big exspences while the nation gets treated like 💩 this wonderful lady is speaking up for the nation at least one MP is making sure we are heard in parliament thank you

[@georgehughes5703]

Agree with much of what this MP is proposing. (why you twice mentioned this MP's gender I do not know, as it is totally irrelevant) The MP lost me when declaring that ensuring fair and transparent elections ie voter ID, to be non democratic. Ensuring one British citizen one vote, is the bare minimum of a democratic system.

[@TheDb1973]

Maybe because the lady in question in a lady and a she ! 🙏​@@georgehughes5703

[@klopp69320]

@georgehughes5703 I had a head injury 12 years ago which has effected some of my brain functions when I repeat myself I can't help it my friend

[@georgehughes5703]

​@@klopp69320 All the best to you

[@TheDb1973]

Maybe Because she is a lady hence unconsciously stating she's a female! Your point being???!!! 🙏

[@NellyandAnge]

Well said. The basic reason why so many don't bother to vote, probably thinking "what's the point?"

[@Jay_Johnson]

Certainly last election, vote for the morally bankrupt or a wet blanket. There is a reason corbyn got more votes.

[@davidmiller1215]

Exactly

[@John-l1j]

No politician should be allowed to give biliions away for foreign issue's

[@daysofend]

I'm not justifying what they are spending it on, but surely you can recognize that you can gain a massive a amount of international leverage by doing that. The classic example is the USA's spending in the military, which seems stupid, but it's that same military that allows the USA to take in multiples more in global leverage. Big picture or something

[@humptydumpty9177]

@@daysofend Yes, it also creates wars and proxy wars, as we are witnessing throughout the word.

[@mrnice7570]

​@@daysofendEh NO!!

[@DJAA21M]

​@@daysofendno excuse

[@smarthought]

The amount of support and money spent in running spy planes and fighter jets over Gaza is way too much and has no benefit for us. If that money was put in the NHS we would have no issues with the health department. If America gave the 5billion they give israel to their citizens, each person would be entitled to 15k. America is lobbied to spend for a foreign country and im sure the majority of tge citizens are not for it

[@stuartburns2310]

I totally agree we should have PR...BUT may never live to see…. Democracy is dead in Britain!

[@hankchinaski4075]

Wow, never thought I would see this. Truly shocking. I've been a strong advocate for PR my entire life. Certainly it is outrageous that Labour have such a majority with only 20% of potential voters. However, I have reconsidered my position of late as it has historically lead to coalition governments which get bogged down passing legislation (or stepping it back), and liberals together generally outnumber the right. Cynical of everything they do, this smells to me like trying to avoid a sweeping Reform government next election... Also, how about mandatory voting - Australia has it. As an expat I don't even qualify to vote in the UK which is a bone of contention for me but I would like to see the vote taken from non nationals and commonwealth resident that currently qualify. Where I live foreigners do not get to vote, that's just not normal most places I've lived around the world (even if they pay taxes).

[@bobjohnbowles]

So this squeaked through by 2 votes, with half of the Commons not present. But it passed! Ever since I could vote more than 40 years ago I have looked forward to PR becoming a reality in this country.

[@Knappa22]

Nothing has squeaked through. It was an ad hoc ten minute motion. At 2nd reading the whole HoC will be there and it’ll be massively defeated.

[@bobjohnbowles]

@Knappa22 you don't say? Nothing like taking the edge of an historic moment with a bit of doomsaying.

[@Hazzy113]

@@Knappa22idk, it depends how the labour MPs vote

[@Knappa22]

@@Hazzy113 It’ll be whipped. Minimal rebellion. Also the Tories will vote it down as they don’t believe in PR; it would mean permanent forced coalition with Reform (or whatever it’ll morph into next). It’s a dead duck.

[@maxbants7737]

​@Hazzy113 the party in power never votes in favour of PR.

[@johnohara197]

We desperately need 'Proportional Representation' !! Bring it on!

[@Fran6831Co]

Be careful what you wish for. We have PR in Scottish Elections. It is a nightmare. We have endured the fit up of SNP and The Greens working the system. If the SNP are maybe lying second in a constituency and can’t win it.Because it’s marginal with the Greens and another party they get their SNP supporters to vote for the Greens. Because of that we have been hit with diabolical socialists parties being in charge for 17 years who are mad hatters and want nothing but independence that the Scottish people don’t want. You could end up in England with Labour and Liberals with the Greens ruling for years because they will oust other parties from ever being in power.

[@sylviaduffin4812]

Unfortunately what is proposed is not true PR. It is the same as we voted against the last time!!

[@warwickdean]

What's wrong with voters ID? I see it as a good thing.

[@johnohara197]

@@warwickdean Agreed! It's a must for a democracy! You either are a citizen or you are not!

[@thelegendofthefive838]

@@sylviaduffin4812 AV is similar but different than STV. They both have ranked choices but in AV its whoever gets 50% but STV has a quota and multiple rounds. If you wanted a truly PR system then you would have to remove the constituency system

[@anthonybowes9273]

This has my support the current system is completely undemocratic.

[@Nine-Signs]

The overwhelming majority go to work in a top down anti democratic capitalist enterprise that prevents democracy from entering into 70% of life spent at work and incentivises employers to use the wealth they extracted from their workers against those workers when they leave work where a sliver of democracy exits, so as to ensure democracy can never be used to undo profit making for the few at any externalised cost to society and nation, and you think the symptom of corrupted government by this economic system is the problem, rather than the economic system itself that incentivised the rich minority to corrupt democracy buy buying the majority of centrist to right wing politicians parties and media simultaneously, I mean, it is AN issue, but it is far from THE issue as if all we do is tinker with how we vote rather than significantly alter the economic system to end the ability of the capitalist minority to corrupt government/democracy, I can promise you PR wont make a lick of difference to the overall outcome. I am not against electoral reform, but it is not the primary problem, the incentives and rewards of capitalism unto the capitalist minority to corrupt governance via bribery and intimidation, IS the problem and that minority is rewarded lavishly for their efforts in that.

[@GGh8j]

Sarah Olney is brilliant. I was on the signing in desk when she entered the count and first got elected on 1 December 2016 Richmond Park By-election. I said "good luck", and then in 2017 I said the same thing to her, she chuckled. She's a nice and genuine person. Personally, I'm very conservative but I think she's a brilliant politician and lovely lady.

[@bandycoot1896]

It's rare I agree with the Lib Dems, however in this case good on them.

[@andrewcrookes5775]

This is massive ❤

[@cdeford2]

Not really. Only supporters bothered to turn up.

[@Randomguy-kz7sk]

@@cdeford2 It only passed by a majority of two, so that's simply not the case.

[@raylp4751]

The party currently I will not allow this to happen. Don't be suprised if they don't manipulate a way around this. Also do what they need to do to try and fix it for a 2nd term. Usually changing voting boundaries. Dividing strong Labour areas into 2 seperate areas . Usually,,inner city areas with a strong Muslim community. Whilst expanding Tory Voting areas. The amount of times boundaries have changed always seems to happen when it's ztories or labour that have got into no 10.

[@thelegendofthefive838]

@@raylp4751 you do realise it goes off of population and each constituency has roughly 75,000 people in it

[@raylp4751]

@thelegendofthefive838 And. boundary changes just move the chances that the new areas get more of the friendly voters. Eg take an ahead likely to get 80% of the vote. Change the boundary that could lose 20% of that vote. Then that 20% friendly voters may sway the vote in favour in another new area that was 50 /50 and visa Versa across the whole country. I'm 70 and in 80s was involved with our local Labour Party. I've worked in goverment for the biggest part of my career and v friendly with local MP. It's been discussed and spoken about everytime boundaries change. I live now in Sth Glocester that used to just be Gloucester and in-between AVON. this year our Region for voting bchanged again to a new one. North Bristol Filton and Bradley Stoke. B4 it was a lot more Rural and Torys held it several GEs . But now it has more Blue shirt families that work in The aircraft industry. Labour smashed it. although 14 yrs of Toriescin no 10 had an effect.

[@martintucker2825]

Where are they all , surely can't all be in the bar , to me this shows totally disrespect to such an important issue, What are they afraid of ,us becoming a democracy ???

[@MS-19]

It's well worth looking up what it is that MPs do apart from being in the Commons chamber for debates and asking questions of ministers. For one thing, there's another chamber (Westminster Hall) where business takes place simultaneously. There are the MPs offices, in which they liaise with their constituency offices and work on matters that they will subsequently deal with when they return to the constituencies they represent. There are meeting rooms, committee sessions... No person can be in more than one place at a time, and while we may not like it if our MP is absent for an issue that we would have liked them to attend to, chances are that they had other things to do which were no less important, especially for people in constituencies. Everything is recorded in Hansard, so MPs can always see what has been said and voted on even if they weren't in the Commons at the time.

[@barryatulloch3101]

​@@MS-19quite correct , I also know that my MP can have travel problems , those too in time of bad weather can prevent attendance

[@andrewbaxter9010]

Also the labour support she spoke of would not want to tip the party leaders off

[@Sigma3XX]

They don’t have to be in the chamber to vote. I didn’t see any Reform (who support PR) present for the Bill, but spotted Lee Anderson at the end, for the result.

[@pam732]

They have other work to do, like getting out to speak to their constituents and have their surgeries where people can all in with problems etc.

[@satch7123]

And surprise, surprise, the house is empty. We will never get change.

[@dannynufer1296]

That’s because the majority of MPs are labour and torys, and neither of them want PR, because it means they can’t get their established majorities as easy

[@BoyeeSmudger]

​@@dannynufer1296many Labour mp voted in favour of this. Many tory mp did not though. Cannot remember seeing any involvement from reform though, make that as you want.

[@pelvist]

@@BoyeeSmudger Make this as you want too, she asked for PR and to scrap voter ID in the same speach. No voter id means anyone can vote and under a PR system that would be the end of us. Lib dems with their ulterior motives again...

[@dannynufer1296]

@@BoyeeSmudger Oh fair enough. In which case, thats quite respectable from Labour. Torys vote against anything progressive so thats no surprise. Reform would LOVE proportional representation so I imagine they’d vote in favour.

[@nicholaspostlethwaite9554]

Hopefully! Never do what these loser MPs want it is only for their self interests.

[@chrismcgowan5272]

Brilliant speech, Sarah First time I have ever supported a Liberal

[@sirrobinofloxley7156]

Make it mandatory to vote, and police the calibre of parties representing the people. Currently, there's zero standard held as to what constitutes a politician, given that it can be viewed as a form of oppression to actually have standards, then they'd be the first ones putting their heads above the parapet who need shipping out. In York recently, a councilor won a seat with just 64% of a less than 30% turnout. So, the so called majority there, was only 20%, not a 51%, or anything near it.

[@user-bu9nb8wr6e]

It needs to be a criminal offence with a custodial sentence to lie to the public if an MP or a news outlet. As the truth will set You free.

[@drcommonsense1]

I'd welcome this but we know it'll never happen

[@Bungle-UK]

They will never agree a definition for ‘lie’.

[@DJ-uk5mm]

Didn’t some previous Socialists use the phrase “Work sets you free” ?

[@mountain_watcher_8730]

How would you define what a lie is in criminal law? Any statement given by an MP is open to interpretation. Perhaps a better solution would be to require them to answer questions when directly asked, and if they cannot answer the question directly, they have to say 'I do not believe I can answer that question' or 'I do not like how that question is formulated'. If they repeatedly deflect the question or ignore it, maybe that could be a type of misconduct in public office charge? This way, they have to either be honest and answer truthfully, tell an objective lie that cannot be disputed, or look like a fool for being unable or unwilling to answer the question. But even this isn't perfect and I wouldn't want this, because there are so many scenarios where this system could be abused or catch-out people trying to abide by it.

[@jameshunter7181]

Yes, that would see Starmer locked up for many years. LOL

[@TheRealSwedishChef]

Completely agree with everything except I wouldn't call Voter ID undemocratic. It's hardly undemocratic to ask for people to prove they're actual citizens of the country they're voting in.

[@TheTwinn]

It does stop a lot of legal voters from voting though, unless you allow cheaper forms of ID to be used, then I’m totally for it. That or bring down the cost of replacing passports.

[@Buddha2024-w7y]

Completely agree. 👍🏻

[@1ForTheShieldz]

​@TheTwinn in other countries you can get state ID for free and its mandatory to vote or pay a fine. Mandatory voting would stop apathy and maybe restore democracy but I bet a lot of people would just put x in a donkey and not realise it.

[@sarkybugger5009]

You can't just turn up at a polling station and demand a vote. You have to be on the Electoral Roll, or your name isn't on the list. Voting fraud is very rare in the UK, and voter ID requirements are discriminatory against younger voters. The old system worked fine. Why change it? Answer: The tories thought it would help them. They thought wrong...

[@maddoc79]

@@sarkybugger5009you should have to prove you are who you say you are to vote

[@robertstibz9506]

Turkeys will never vote for Xmas though! Gravy train has too many onboard also.

[@Probodger]

Agree 100%, its not perfect, but better than we have now. Also we need a democratic process to recall parliament when they fail follow their manifesto.

[@lj4339]

Breath of fresh air but if vote for her or her party we get what they want not what were told again, we need this and the ability to hold them to those words/pledges

[@harrymoore4038]

Good to see the House of Commons so well represented by the people we voted in to actually turn up.

[@roncatton7101]

If there was a petition for a call for Electorial Voting Reform i would sign it straight away... Well Spkoen that woman

[@stephenlee5929]

There was a referendum on this in 2011, there was a turnout of 42% of which 67% voted against.

[@Randomguy-kz7sk]

@@stephenlee5929 That wasn't for proportional representation but AV. The only indication we have for how many people support PR is through opinion polls, which as stated in the video routinely return a majority in favour for ditching FPTP and introducing PR.

[@markrainford1219]

Yes, she spoke well.

[@stephenlee5929]

@@decs0r No not 109%, Only 42% bothered to vote. Of that 42% , 67% voted against and 33% voted for, there were some spoilt papers but I can't be bothered with decimals of percentages here.

[@roberthudson3386]

@@stephenlee5929 That's a complete lie, the referendum was on AV which is not a proportional voting system and anyone can tell that by doing the most basic research. People who want to oppose proportional representation always repeat this lie.

[@johnwilliams7653]

136 scoundrels in a poorly attended house. No wonder Westminster is a beacon of darkness.

[@KeithSaville-tj5id]

But there will be a full house when it comes to discussing the MPs next pay rise!

[@kitjohnson7714]

Many of them couldn't care less generally. Look at the sheer numbers who abstained from the Winter Fuel Allowance Vote.

[@johnwilliams7653]

@@kitjohnson7714 That is why the Westminster bubble is due a spectacular bursting.

[@kathhardy7076]

Should amend their pay to pay per attendance of over a certain number of hours per day/week. Why are we paying full wages for part timers!

[@ShadowDev6969]

@@kathhardy7076 PR first then we can start pulling down all other forms of corruption when we can elect who we want.

[@g.p616]

Perfect Speech, I would say. Can’t really argue against her..( Shame she had to read it!)

[@michaelwhitley2081]

I’m not a Lib Dem voter. This was a crisp and excellent delivery of a little understood issue. Superb.

[@zrymill]

New Zealand currently has a three party government as a result of the Proportional Representative voting system we have. It works very well to get more people's views heard and holds parties in check who if they were governing alone would do all kinds of things the voters never asked for. Definitely less corruption with PR.

[@jameshunter7181]

Brilliant idea, I often wonder what would happen in the UK if the public refused to vote, IF that happened then all parties would be forced to work as one and stop being self centred dictators.

[@foxracerdrew]

That worked really well a few years back, no? They're all cheeks of the same arse, all serving their global masters.

[@delinquentinparadise]

It works well in New Zealand. And I would recommend it to Britain, they certainly need it.

[@ItsZombiefied]

It's also in both Irelands. In the South, you have three major parties - Fianna Fail, Sinn Fein, and Fine Gael. In the North, we have a forced coalition (as far as I'm aware), but there's never been one party with a majority of seats since the Good Friday Agreement. The current Assembly is made up of Sinn Fein, the DUP, the UUP, and the Alliance Party. I don't worry, as a Northern Irish person, about who to vote for. Even in my constituency, which is stuffed with Sinn Feiners, there's still a People Before Profit MLA. The only downside is that these governments are weak and prone to collapse, but that just means the citizens get more control of them imo.

[@drigon100]

Only 274/650 MPs voted here... Not only should we get proportional representation but maybe we should have rules that MPs will have to actually show up and do their damned jobs...

[@BritishRepublicsn]

Many of them would be in committees or out in their constituency

[@jordanjonwillett]

Awesome 👌

[@williamoates1754]

Why the single transferable vote? there are other forms of P.R. Local MP's for local constituency is also outdated, any elected M.P could familiarise themselves with local issues, with local guidance, in a very short time.

[@georgehughes5703]

MPs have been parachuted in for years. Libdems want STV to make their unsafe seats safe and to keep out new party's and independents.

[@Stu-m9o]

Thank you Sarah!

[@tonymarkey6525]

I would pretty much guarantee that nearly all ‘us Labours’ were absent. Those idiots will not stand for it

[@loritsi]

Quite a few Labour back benchers were present

[@BoyeeSmudger]

Many Labour mps supported this Bill.

[@1crafter176]

Yea, only 109 Labour MPs actually turned out to vote (so basically a quarter) Although, surprisingly, 59 Labour MPs voted in favour of this motion, with only 50 voting against it

[@stevenhoward3358]

Good luck. One day all our votes will count, no matter which constituency we live in.

[@craigs3007]

The last time all our votes counted was when we voted for Brexit. Regardless of how you feel about that particular outcome, one thing that was very clear was that MPs did not like it, and they fought to prevent it from happening. Call me cynical, but on that basis alone, I don't think there is much appetite among MPs for a system where our votes count.

[@HantsLassUK]

I wonder who on the labour back benches will have the guts to vote for this?

[@tomirk4404]

Presumably the ones with more honour

[@Sigma3XX]

Labour, in general, along with many Unions, actually support the PR Bill. Typically, Starmer can’t make his stupid mind up!

[@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834]

none

[@bigfella4546]

The ones who actually have a bit of principle and don't vote exclusively on party lines.

[@FAS1948]

If only we had a democracy.

[@Paul-hl8yg]

The Reform Party have called for a UK wide referendum on Proportional Representation. 🇬🇧

[@robertdennis3114]

We had one. FPTP won.

[@Edurdowobblechops]

No major party apposed it think you'll get different result if someone actually put the case for pr​@@robertdennis3114

[@BoyeeSmudger]

No, the lib dems called it. As they did try to change it back in 2010. I see no reform mps voting for this latest bill.

[@pelvist]

We need PR but this bint is also asking to scrap voter id meaning that anyone who is anybody from anywhere can vote, meaning she wants PR so that they can hoard votes from illegal immigrants.

[@charliemoore2551]

@@robertdennis3114 It wasn't on proportional representation. It was on the alternative vote system. That's no more proportional than FPTP but it would have benefited the Liberal Democrats so that's why "step up to the plate" Clegg wanted it.

[@manwithcorsae7738]

I'd vote for that.

[@raymondpiper8294]

They look nice and cozy warm in the house .😮

[@MS-19]

As it should be. If you're not familiar with Maslow's Hierarchy of needs, it might be worth considering why it is important for MPs, our lawmakers, to have certain needs met if we're to have laws we're happy to abide by.

[@petersinclair8620]

Well said Mis. Olney. About time for PR to be brought in.

[@jaccar2020]

This is so important PR all the way. Con and lab wont let it happen.

[@johnabbiss43]

Well done 👍🏻 lady good work

[@dalefairbairn6899]

Brilliant.

[@SusannaSaunders]

Hurray! About bloody time!

[@Doc959]

Well done Labour and Libs 👏👏👏👏👏👏. These are very astute observations and this is a very impressive initiative. This serves to move governance more towards Popular Sovereignty and Political Equality inkeeping with a real democracy. This will shape how laws are made and get the entire economy firing again, not just London's.

[@raquelsaavedra418]

Save the Country and Vote Reform!

[@stephenbailey7676]

Time for a proper general election

[@GerryT.]

We had one. You lost, get over it.

[@johnmansell5097]

@@GerryT.we didn’t vote for what was not in the manifesto but what was in it, labour have misled the general,public as per normal I think you need to recognise that fact.

[@rokketron]

​@@GerryT.We all lost, you just aren't aware of it ... yet

[@GerryT.]

@johnmansell5097 They've misled no more than the Tories have done don't pretend otherwise.

[@GerryT.]

@rokketron I'm perfectly aware, I disagree with Labours decision re winter fuel payments, but that's it. I totally agree with Farmers paying inheritance tax, top many rich people have bought land to evade inheritance tax. And they get treated a bloody sight better than the rest of us. Any Government taking over the shitshow the Tories left after 14 years is going to take time to put things right, it 6 months, nit even 4 years. You people have very short memories.

[@CG-yx8nu]

Well said lady! How disgusting to see Labor members squirreling away....they did not even hide the fact that they are leaving because this issue is being introduced.....seen from here USA and noticing that the members of that party will not even hide the fact that they do not care about the UK people....... PRETTY DISGUSTING!!!

[@georgehughes5703]

It may be interesting for you to look at the policies of the Liberal Democrats here in the UK. Then let us know if they come across as for the people of the UK.

[@Sigma3XX]

I’m not sticking up for Labour, but they don’t have to be in the Chamber for the Bill. They vote in the Lobbies, outside the chamber.

[@antonyetheridge1050]

fairest system,so i doubt it will go through

[@magsobrien5055]

Yep - totally agree - let's do this! x

[@pam732]

Well said that woman.

[@sebastianrochefort6763]

138 to 136? so not even Half of Parliament voted? yeah this bill won't survive all the horse trading

[@philbamford6957]

I seem to remember starmer wanting rid of first past the post until it worked in his favour.

[@peterrat100]

Where do they all go? I’m paying them to sit, listen and think, not clear off.

[@maryminty5876]

In the bar.

[@chrismaguire3667]

Two actually buggered off before this speech - didn't anyone notice?😕

[@MS-19]

@peterrat100 They are involved in other debates (there's a second chamber, Westminster Hall) and in committees, and in meetings with ministers, and in meetings with constituents, and in their offices working on constituency matters which they will also deal with in person when they return to their constituencies. If you think that the role of the MP is just to sit in the Commons, listen, think and question ministers or contribute to debates, you really need to learn more about what MPs do and realise that there's much, much more to it than just that.

[@MS-19]

@@chrismaguire3667 On their way to other business, just as important as this debate which they can refer to later via the official transcript in Hansard.

[@chrismaguire3667]

@@MS-19 i do know that, but thank you for your kind comment.👍

[@Bungle-UK]

Fab - will help Reform UK to get more seats 👍

[@1066gaz]

It's taken them long enough. Should have been decades ago.

[@SilentWalker-if4nc]

sign the petition for PR

[@lynnwood2291]

Where is the link

[@SilentWalker-if4nc]

@lynnwood2291 cant post links here. its easy to find, gov uk petitions website. took me 2 minutes

[@DustinHoward-xh9sl]

What happens when all parties ignore the will of the people?

[@ascgazz]

They can’t? How would they? Go on, please explain.

[@tonyrobinson362]

​@ascgazz REALLY?

[@ascgazz]

@ oh look, someone else without answers, who’d rather attack than educate.. Go on then, explain. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@DustinHoward-xh9sl]

@@ascgazz Happens all the time. Make commitments you don't intend to uphold, in order to gain votes or to avoid losing votes.

[@ascgazz]

@@DustinHoward-xh9sl you’re assuming they all do that? Every single one? Or should we look into the statistics and see which parties do what before being able to make that sort of sweeping statement?

[@elaber5]

The system in NZ is a good model to use. Proper representation of what the public vote for.

[@danielashworth3244]

I totally agree with you. It is a good system. Don't go down the STV path.

[@tonymarkey6525]

And yet you still ended up with the horse that talks….

[@danielashworth3244]

@@tonymarkey6525,. She lasted one and a bit terms. First time she was in coalition with the populist party. She only went full dictator in her second term but was easily forced out. (Three- year terms in NZ). Under FPP she'd have been there for another two terms..PR gives power to the people.

[@bigfella4546]

@@tonymarkey6525 Yeah... because she won.

[@philmcc8106]

That said, Reform would have far more seats than the Liberal Democrat’s in parliament, but change does need to happen!

[@eurostar3739]

Im all for voter ID But voting reform is needed Badly ! And I cannot wait to see what comes of this !

[@antonoat]

Give this smart woman a job! 👏👍😀

[@lisejacquelinerigault2575]

She has got one as my MP. Richmond Park constituency.

[@pelvist]

She literally called to scrap voter ID in the same speech.. You think this is a smart move for the benefit of you and me? Think again.

[@cluckingbells]

Single Transferable Vote [STV] is what London used to elect its Mayor, until very recently. You get a first choice and second choice on the ballot paper. If your first choice doesn't win your vote gets transferred to your second choice. That isn't a proportional system for the votes cast. What we found in London was that the second choices were nearly always for main parties. The system didn't allow the smaller parties in with their new ideas but tended to boost the main parties voter share for their own credibility. I think its a bit of a swizz to call it proportional.

[@danielashworth3244]

The STV does not suitable for UK,. but there are much better systems of PR.

[@Yomi-san]

@@cluckingbells well then it’s a waste of time. It just defaults to the old guard when your first choice loses again.

[@Sigma3XX]

Yeah, it was obvious that she was pushing STV, probably to benefit the Libs. There are more suitable variations of PR that need investigating.

[@BritishRepublicsn]

That's not STV, that's SV (Supplementary Vote) STV sees you rank more than 2 candidates, with multiple winners

[@cluckingbells]

@@BritishRepublicsnAnd how's that proportional ?

[@jojos853]

How very true.

[@SplendidProgress]

Fingers crossed! Excellent to see this voice of reason in a cesspit of British politics

[@jubrum2476]

we do need change... millions of the public are not represented with the right number of MPs and thats not how parliament was intended.

[@lesleywhibley]

No ID doesn't help thoes with none like my self.

[@judiththomas9995]

Oooooh now they want PR at last. YIPPEE!!!

[@williamthompson4389]

Why did it take so long? We may not survive the actions taken so far by this present Labour Government!

[@craig361]

you survived 14 years of a conservative government I'm sure you can survive 5 years under labour

[@RoachChaddjr]

@@craig361 Don't know about that one. the first two months under Labour have felt excruciating.

[@chrisdodds1877]

A simple semi proportional method which maintains representation and limits extreme fringe parties would be to combine constituencies into sets. 5 MPs per combined region. A seat per 20% of local vote. What is more; elections would barely change in complexity and everyone would have 5 MPs who they could contact who represent them. Full proportional risks being too impersonal and could allow extreme fring parties to enter politics.

[@SaltyGammon567]

PR would be great, everyone should have a voice.

[@neuralwarp]

STV is messy. Just award 1 seat per 100,000 votes, and allow citizens to veto laws.

[@Ettrick8]

Is that every law? Will we be required to read evey bill before voting?

[@markrainford1219]

@@Ettrick8 That would be the first new law.

[@Ettrick8]

@@markrainford1219 his will you ensure all voters will read these niills and actually understand them?

[@maddoc79]

@@Ettrick8no it wouldn’t

[@markrainford1219]

@@Ettrick8 Yes ducky, of course I will.

[@ragnarironspear1791]

I live in Northern Ireland a part of Britain and we have to show ID before we can vote . It stops voter fraud

[@stephenpalmer9375]

We have to do that in England as well now. The problem is.. it fixes a problem that hardly exists

[@clickrick]

How much voter fraud has there actually been in the rest of the UK? Over the last 5 years? 10 years? Choose your time period.

[@elvishprincess321]

@@stephenpalmer9375 even if it hardly exists, cheating is wrong & voter ID would cut it out completely.

[@meh78336]

@@stephenpalmer9375 Hardly exists? I take it you don't know about certain "communities" that have sprung up in the uk in recent decades who mass vote, which is more difficult for them to do if they have to turn up individually and prove who they are instead of a couple from that community just showing up to do it all. The media and the rest know about it, but rarely report on it except when they have no choice as its usually when a candidate from those "communities" is found to have been involved in voter fraud. Personally I found it odd when I first voted that I was not asked to prove I was who I said I was as I could have quite easily voted for multiple people through the day and do it largely unnoticed, which would be a big problem as it would mean people who never voted could be voting and getting in MPs who in reality lost.

[@stephenpalmer9375]

@ from the electoral commission website “In the past 5 years, there is no evidence of large-scale electoral fraud. Of the 1,462 cases of alleged electoral fraud reported to police between 2019 and 2023, 11 led to convictions and the police issued 4 cautions. Most cases either resulted in the police taking no further action or were locally resolved by the police issuing words of advice.”

[@Ingleborough111]

Not many MP's bothered to turn up.

[@erikthenorviking8251]

It OUGHT to be a compulsory condition. Worstmonster is just a bloody playgroup.

[@Grandpa600]

Its possibly the FIRST time ever that I have listened to a LIBDEM MP speaking good, ordinary common sense politics, A 10 minute Bill hasn't got much chance of further time, either in Commons or Lords'; but I believe that it should be given a decent path, because our present FPTP system is becoming illegitimate.

[@CJBradley]

Tony Bliar said he would introduce it in his manifesto and them forgot once he was in, this ain't no democracy and never has been. To quote M Twain "If voting made a difference we would not be allowed to do it". If there was an ounce of decency amongst the lot of them we would live in one.!

[@andrewkirwin4910]

Add to each ballot paper A None of the above option so we can vote for fewer MPs We should not have to try to vote for the best of a bad bunch!