- Question
Should the UK adopt proportional representation?
The UK currently uses the first-past-the-post voting method. In 2011, the UK held an 'Alternative Vote' Referendum. Although the proposal was rejected by 67.9% of voters, the referendum stoked debate about what voting method was best suited to the United Kingdom. Some people have touted proportional representation as the solution, which is different to the Alternative Vote because it directly mirrors public support for a specific party. Countries that use some form of proportional representation include Belgium, Greece, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
The UK should adopt Proportional Representation
Proportional Representation is more democratic. It gives a greater voice to candidates and parties that have long been eclipsed in first-past-the-post voting. It also ensures that fewer votes are wasted and means that everyone's votes go toward electing a government that is more representative of the national political opinion.
The UK should not adopt Proportional Representation
The UK held a referendum on electoral reform in 2011. Although the referendum was regarding an Alternative Vote system instead of Proportional Representation, the result was clear. Just under 68% of the voting public voted decisively to keep the First Past the Post system. This shows there is little majority for electoral reform in the UK.