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Author Archives: Connair Russell

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We need to look forward. Let’s start with electoral reform

By Connair Russell | Sat 25th June 2016 - 1:30 pm

This is not a great day, the referendum is over. Remain lost. We can put away our posters, our hyperbole and our support for George, Dave and Jeremy. There is work to be done.

Perhaps more clear than a desire to leave the European Union. The result and accompanying commentary illuminates the stark divisions in our society. This was not just a no to the EU, its rules, and its immigration policy, it was a slap in the face of the political establishment. Yet the decision will not be an easy one to reverse, if possible at all. The recurring position of the EU was that out is out, to conspire through political back channels to return us to the union would be undemocratic and illiberal. Perhaps the only situation where this is possible would be if an election was called by the new Conservative leader before the activation of article 50, and the winning party stood on a manifesto on returning. Even still it is unlikely and our efforts would be better spent on working for a liberal, outward looking Britain moving forward than undermining the British public. 52% of such a large turnout is a mandate greater than that of most sitting governments.

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Posted in News | Tagged electoral reform, eu referendum and future strategy | 8 Comments

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Recent Comments

Chris Cory
Completely agree with this article and comments from Simon, John and Nigel. Some years ago we decided that as a progressive party of the left we should focus ...
Nigel Quinton
Excellent article, totally agree with your observations, and for once disagree with Mick Taylor, when he states that "Focussing on men and boys will necessarily...
John Hann
Over the last 40 years we have sold off almost everything that is not nailed down including most of our manufacturing industries. As a result young men unqua...
Mick Taylor
When I went to university about 5-6% of the population did so. I studied economics. After 4 years at 2 universities, I found there was little or no work in my f...
Meg Thomas
This is an excellent article. Thanks. 'Men held more power a century ago.' Sorry, men still hold more power. This can still be the case whilst we also see ...