Geraint Davies hits out at plans to cut Welsh MPs by a quarter
PLANS to cut the number of Welsh MPs by a quarter have been branded undemocratic and a waste of money.
A new political map commissioned by the Electoral Reform Society recommends cutting the number of constituencies in Wales from 40 to 29.
The society said its proposals for 11 fewer MPs would create more fairness — but Welsh politicians said it would do the opposite.
Geraint Davies, MP for Swansea West, insisted the scheme would make democracy less effective.
"Supporters may claim that fewer MPs will mean less cost to the taxpayer and save around £3million a year," he said.
"But to redraw all the boundaries and change the system will cost hundreds of millions of pounds.
"The drawbacks of such a plan far outweigh any benefits."
And Carmarthen East and Dinefwr MP Jonathan Edwards, of Plaid, said Wales would lose its voice in the House of Commons.
"There is likely to be a bias against areas with high levels of poverty and low socioeconomic background where electoral registration take-up is lower than in wealthier areas," he added.
The proposals came as Parliament started to debate plans to change the voting system and create more equally-sized constituencies across the UK.
A referendum is set to take place on May 5, 2011, to change to the Alternative Vote (AV) system — where voters rank constituency candidates in order of preference.
The Electoral Reform Society has argued the bill, as it stands, cannot achieve the goal of creating fair and equal constituencies.
But the group has spoken in favour of reducing constituencies across the UK — and drawn a new political map along the lines of local authorities.
It is based on projected population figures for 2015.
The Lib Dems said AV would create more fairness, while the Conservatives have spoken out in favour of reducing the number of constituencies.
Cheryl Gillan, Secretary of State for Wales, hit back at Labour and Plaid criticism of the scheme.
She said the attacks were "driven by self-interest and self-preservation" rather than bringing about lasting reform.
ben.wright@swwmedia.co.uk
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by Stuart, Port Talbot
Monday, September 13 2010, 9:06PM
“MPs are simply here to represent their constituents. By reducing the amount of MPs, they will obviously have a lot more constituents to handle, maybe too many.
As for having qualified economists and such like you're missing the point. That's the Civil Service's job. They put into action the MPs suggestions.
The best MPs are those from a working / mangerial backround. Maybe even the so-called "working class". We need people who understand our wishes, and who can then pass on the message for the civil service to put into action.
Then again... how many of you have actually attended your MP's surgeries, written to them for advice or to complain, or... even voted. They are a resource meant to present a level of government between the man in the street and those further up the chain.
They are actually very underused. If you have issues, contact your MP. They're there for you. If they won't or can't help there are further options, but the'yre kind of like your GP is your gateway to further NHS specialists.
Of course there are always controversies. You won't get a perfect system. There are good and bad MPs (but don't forget - it's US who put them there), and there are careerist MPs who put themselves before their constituents.
But even with all this our method of government has been with us a long time. It works , up to a point. Not exactly a "broken system" but they are an essential part of government.
Just to reiterate: Your MP is there for you. They can be contacted by you, and they can in some cases actually get stuff down, from influencing your local council to passing motions which may become law.
Even better - if an issue is important enough and you get more than just one person trying to change things for the better - something as simple as a petition - your MP is likely to take your issue more seriously.
Forget brussels and the MEPs - that's another kettle of fish. Don't be afraid of your MP and shoot him/her down at every opportunity. Make the most the situation. They're not just there to make up the numbers to decide which party runs the country - they're here to represent YOU.”
by Linda, Neath
Wednesday, September 08 2010, 10:23AM
“Politics has been taken over by ambitious money grabbing people who do not have the intellect to run the country properly. We have seen this with the last Government. What you say is correct, why do we have elected representatives who have to employ consultants of university don calibre to do their jobs for them. If the jobs were given to the correct people in the first place we could get rid of the tier of messenger boys and girls who milk the system. So reducing the number of MP's is a start but cuts need to go much deeper and people with the intelligence to rule the country should be installed regardless of political allegiance. Lets be honest, most people with a modicum of sense would not join a political party.”
by john, Swansea
Tuesday, September 07 2010, 9:57PM
“Bruiser, neath:Not sure what you mean by less power in parliament maybe you have sympathy for the English who have had to put up with some very incompetent Scottish politicians you know BROWN and remember Neil Pillock!!!I agree with you about people working in Industry yes head of large muti nationals with proven track records not you know trade union leader but we do need oxford dons you see they have the intellect to run this country not like the last lot that were thrown out through their total incompetent and worse of all was their lies lets all hope we have seen the last of them!!”
by Poll Dancer,Davos, Peter Hains New Ferrarri
Tuesday, September 07 2010, 9:50PM
“Leave me be.
Like everyone else in politics they rip off the working class for their own personal greed.
I know that they are scum.
Thats why they can affor me.”
by Keyser Söze, East Hambul
Tuesday, September 07 2010, 9:07PM
“bruiser, neath
Don't worry. The postings below yours come from the usual suspects.”