Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill

Debate between Angus Brendan MacNeil and Stephen Williams

Wednesday 16th February 2011 Commons Chamber

[Stephen Williams]

If we were at a different point in the electoral cycle, we could be having this referendum on the day of a general election. We may well have a referendum on future changes on the date of the next general election in May 2015. However, that is four and a half years away, so we are having the referendum rather sooner, and everyone who is conducting the arguments about this threshold knows that, other than in a general election, the turnout is likely to be lower than 40%. That is why I have quoted the statistics I have.

[Mr MacNeil]

Will the hon. Gentleman give way?

[Stephen Williams]

The hon. Gentleman has made a lot of interventions, and other Members wish to get in.

When an election is over—you will recall the first general election I fought was against you, Madam Deputy Speaker—and the result is in, the people have spoken. As democrats, none of us says the people have spoken but with a caveat; we sit down and accept the result. On this occasion, I say that the voters should have the final word in a referendum—the voters who turn up to vote—and on this matter their elected representatives should have the final word.