Tag: Member of Parliament

APNI, Blogging, Equal Marriage, gay, LGBT, Lib Dems, London, politics2 Comments

Disappointed with Tim Farron or Naomi Long? I’m not…

Michael McFarland Campbell

Featured on Liberal Democrat VoicePortcullisCommons

Following this afternoon’s vote in the debate on the third reading of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill, Christopher Lovell has expressed his disappointment at Tim Farron’s “abstention” today. It seems that Mr Lovell who lives in Leeds, not in Tim’s constituency, feels that because there is no vote recorded by Tim Farron in today’s debate, Tim abstained. I counter that this is not true. Tim did in fact, quite clearly not vote. It has been suggested by Erskine May that there is a procedure in Parliament to register an abstention: voting in both lobbies (Erskine May, Parliamentary Practice, 23rd edition, 2004, p412).

A House of Commons Briefing Paper, Divisions in the House of Commons, SN/PC/06401 states

If fewer than 40 Members, including the Speaker and the tellers, participate in a division, it does not meet the quorum required. The House then moves on to the next business, and the subject of the division is postponed until the next sitting day. Members who wish to defeat a particular item of business may engineer a division and then stay out of the lobbies, as they can thus render the division inquorate. Continue reading “Disappointed with Tim Farron or Naomi Long? I’m not…”

Fairer Votes, Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland life, politicsLeave a comment

Northern Ireland voters MUST remember their ID to vote #yes2av on May 5th

Michael McFarland Campbell

Unlike the rest of the United Kingdom, voters in Northern Ireland are required to show identification when in the polling station to get their ballot papers. Perhaps this should be brought in across the UK as a whole? Polls are open from 7.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m., ID that is valid includes: A UK, Irish or EEA driving licence (photographic part) A UK, Irish or EU passport An electoral identity card A Translink Senior SmartPass A Translink 60+ SmartPass A Translink War Disabled SmartPass A Translink Blind Person’s SmartPass Elections tomorrow are for the Northern Ireland Assembly’s 108 members, all 26 district councils … Continue reading Northern Ireland voters MUST remember their ID to vote #yes2av on May 5th

Rate this:

Fairer Votes1 Comment

the problems with FPTP – animal kingdom style

Michael McFarland Campbell

C. G. P. Grey has produced an enjoyable video about the problems of First Past the Post (FPTP) voting systems. With the referendum on the voting system in the United Kingdom coming up on 5th May, it would be useful if people watched this to see why our current voting system is so bad. If like me you think that it is time for a fairer voting system, then join me in saying Yes to Fairer Votes on 5th May. Show your support for the Yes campaign here. Continue reading the problems with FPTP – animal kingdom style

Rate this:

Blogging, Fairer VotesLeave a comment

join me in making our MPs work harder

Michael McFarland Campbell

Following Royal Assent to the Parliamentary Voting Systems and Constituencies Act earlier today, we now have the referendum to make the change to a fairer voting system set for May 5th. The Yes campaign needs as much help as possible to ensure that the real messages are put out to all of us in the communities of the UK. To help us all in our local groups do this, the campaign centrally needs major financial assistance. We’re not backed by the rich bankers or the trade unions. We’re a campaign of the people. That’s why I’m asking you to join … Continue reading join me in making our MPs work harder

Rate this:

Fairer Votes2 Comments

Expensive counting machines necessary: bunkum!

Michael McFarland Campbell

There are many reasons being given in many places across the internet and print media why the British voter should not be voting Yes in the Referendum on the Voting System for the members of the House of Commons. However, one of them today caught my eye. On the Telegraph website, Daniel Hannan, has stated that AV IS EXPENSIVE Under AV we won’t be able to count ballot papers by hand on election night if we want a quick, decisive election result. Local councils will have to purchase electronic counting machines that are very expensive and prone to malfunction. However, … Continue reading Expensive counting machines necessary: bunkum!

Rate this: