CONDEM COALITION RIP UP THE RESPECT AGENDA

For Immediate Release – Tuesday 12 October 2010 

Attn:     NEWS DESKS

POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS 

The SNP has this evening condemned the Liberal Democrats and Tories for voting against amendments to the Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill which would have ensured the Scottish Parliament election day was respected, and the Coalition Government’s planned referendum on AV held on a separate day.

Speaking after the vote, SNP Electoral Reform spokesperson Angus MacNeil MP said:

“This is a shabby decision by Tories and Liberal Democrats which tears up the Coalition Government’s promise to pursue a “respect agenda” when dealing with the devolved administrations.

“Parties from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland were united against this plan, but the Coalition carried on regardless. This is a government that is just not listening. 

"It is quite unbelievable that in all the dates chosen, that the concerns of the devolved administrations have been totally disregarded. The handling of this issues has been at best, insensitive and insulting, going to high-handed and even cack-handed.

“Holding the AV referendum on the same day creates a real risk that the Scottish Parliamentary elections being overshadowed and the issues that really matter to the people of Scotland being eclipsed by a media focus on an electoral system that is not supported by any of the political parties. 

“It is utterly unacceptable for the Coalition Government to treat the Scottish Parliament and the people of Scotland with such contempt. The UK Government failed to consult the Scottish, Northern Irish or Welsh administrations before announcing these proposals at Westminster today. Regrettably, the Tory/Lib Dem government at Westminster seems to be pursuing an agenda of disrespect.  

“The Gould report made it clear that to avoid the difficulties of the 2007 elections, each election and tier of government must be given proper respect for the sake of the electorate, which is why the Scots Parliament approved the decoupling of the local authority and Holyrood elections in Scotland. 

“The Coalition Government must allow the voice of the people of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales to be heard and drop these damaging proposals.”

ENDS