LETTER: Two answers to the West Lothian question

From Ms Mary Southcott

Sir: Labour's commission to examine the "West Lothian Question" ("Labour may cut number of Scots MPs", 26 December) will be welcomed as proof positive that, despite repeated Conservative accusations of breaking up the UK, Labour, in opposition or in power, realises that power is better exercised and decisions taken close to the people whose lives they affect.

Decentralising the state is important but so is reflecting diversity at every level. That is why Labour is supporting not only a Scottish Parliament but also a voting system that gives representation broadly in line with votes cast.

It is hoped that when examining the number of Scottish MPs, the commission will take evidence on the way they are elected. Any future Labour government, reliant on Scottish or Welsh MPs for its Westminster majority, will be reluctant to leave only English MPs to take parallel decisions for England that in Wales and Scotland will be taken by their assembly and parliament.

With more Labour votes in Kent, which at present has 16 Conservative MPs, than in Glasgow with 11 Labour MPs, the commission will need to examine the way our current thinking is determined by first-past-the-post, which reinforces the representation of the biggest minority party in any area.

Voting systems paint different pictures. Labour's voting referendum gives a chance for the British people to come up with the only long-term answer to the West Lothian Question - electoral reform for Westminster.

Yours sincerely,

Mary Southcott

Chair, Labour Campaign

for Electoral Reform

Bristol

26 December