Proportional representation in Westminster would only benefit England. Here's why. open.substack.com/pub/yesinpic...
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Democracy is all about bums on seats. Any way you cut it, if you believe the devolved nations are Nation States they can only be underepresented in Westminster. If you are the dominant country of colonial leftovers you don't see that. You condescend a few seats at the table. Performative democracy.
aug 31, 2025, 6:20 am • 3 0 • view
This is self-evident. I'm not sure how explaining granular detail makes any difference to how little consequence Scottish parties ever have in Westminster. If we have to live under UK rule, a possible coalition of progressives (potentially including SNP) is preferable to a 400 seat Reform majority!
aug 31, 2025, 9:55 am • 2 1 • view
A coalition of progressives is not as advantageous for Scotland as full independence. Also, we don't have a PR system at Westminster, and so we still have the prospect of another government that we did not vote for. We have just changed from one Tory party to another Red Tory party.
aug 31, 2025, 3:43 pm • 1 0 • view
Scotland isn't independent & has little prospect of becoming independent until a Westminster govt (however it's chosen) condescends to permit a referendum. We currently have a Wesminster govt Scotland *did* vote for. There are probably a fair few folk wishing it was a coalition of progressives.
aug 31, 2025, 3:59 pm • 2 0 • view
You say that "Westminster govt (however it's chosen) condescends to permit a referendum", and that mindset is normal when dealing with a colony. Scottish independence will hopefully be taken out of Westminster's hands by the UN. There are several reasons why WM does not want to lose Scotland.
aug 31, 2025, 4:05 pm • 6 4 • view
I don't wish to argue. I'm familiar with the reasons Wm in its present form will never accede to a referendum & unfortunately the chance of UN recognising Scotland as a 'colony' is almost certainly not the panacea many wish it to be. I prefer to be realistic about independence & Scotland's future.
aug 31, 2025, 7:33 pm • 1 0 • view
There are multiple forms of PR, some of which maintain the local/ regional/ national link
aug 31, 2025, 8:57 am • 0 0 • view
Did you read the article?
aug 31, 2025, 8:58 am • 0 0 • view
Yes, and it doesn't once address how different forms of PR might be used to ensure fair representation for all nations. If I've missed it, please redirect me
aug 31, 2025, 9:57 am • 0 0 • view
Scotland will be well away from England by the time they accept PR so the point is mute. Westminster politics has limited relevance to Scotland as none of their parties will accept Scotland’s right to self determination. The break will be traumatic
aug 31, 2025, 6:50 am • 1 0 • view
My read is that it's not PR per se that is the issue but, rather, balancing a population-based first house (HoC) with a more appropriate second house or chamber. We know the HoL needs to go: it's only marginally less appropriate than the monarchy, and widely abused.
aug 31, 2025, 9:05 am • 1 0 • view
So... focusing purely on PR in the first house comes to the conclusion I wrote about. England based party leaders seem more than happy to retain the Lords, despite their membership bluster, and the two never seem to be linked.
aug 31, 2025, 9:54 am • 0 0 • view