To the Times
26 May 2005
Sir,
The debate about electoral reform will never be settled while the protagonists
continue to argue from different premises. Proponents stress the benefits of
consensus building and representation that closely reflects aggregate votes,
which apply principally to a legislature. Opponents stress the benefits of
clear decision making and direct constituency accountablity which apply
principally to choosing an executive.
One solution is to retain our current voting system for the Commons while
electing by STV an Upper House which would have a veto on legislation but no
role in executive accountability.
Quentin Langley