DEMOCRATIC RENEWAL VICTIM OF LABOUR SELF-PRESERVATION

SNP Westminster leader Angus Robertson MP has expressed dismay after Labour MPs voted to deny the country a chance to have its say in an immediate election. The SNP and Plaid Cymru dissolution motion was supported by all opposition parties in the Commons, with only Labour voting against calls for an election.

Mr Robertson said:

“Gordon Brown talks about democratic renewal and in the same breath orders Labour MPs to deny the country an immediate opportunity to renew authority and confidence in parliament.

"Labour’s case against an election has nothing to do with the need to pursue reform or to manage the economy, it is pure, naked self-preservation in the wake of their disastrous performance in the European and local elections.

“Instead of submitting to the ballot box Gordon Brown is barricading himself in Downing Street .

“The case for going to the country remains every bit as strong, and these Labour MPs have only won a stay of execution before Gordon Brown runs out of time and the public can finally have their say on Labour’s record.”

Plaid MPs: Brown needs democratic vote on electoral reform

Plaid Cymru MPs have commented on the announcement that Gordon Brown is this today set to announce proposals for House of Commons electoral reform.

The Prime Minister will make a statement prior to Plaid Cymru and SNP debate calling for the dissolution of Parliament.

Plaid Cymru Westminster Leader Elfyn Llwyd MP said:

“I was very encouraged by Mr Brown’s initial speeches about these matters when he was first in post as Prime Minister but disappointed by the stalling of implementing these changes. I hope that there will be now be a greater impetus to get things moving.

“It is very fitting that Gordon Brown should time his announcement before the Plaid and SNP motion – one that if successful would lead to an immediate General Election.

“Plaid recently called for a ‘democracy day’ to address a wide range of matters. Together with our debate today, and with the Prime Minister’s announcements, we could have a true, meaningful and informed debate – which could then lead to a ‘democracy day’ referendum.

“Such a referendum could be held on the day of the next General Election, and would give the public a say on important democratic issues, such as: the composition of the House of Lords, the present voting system, curtailing the power of the Whips, whether they are satisfied with Royal prerogative, calling for a fixed term parliament, to name a few.

“Such reforms need to be implemented through an inclusive decision-making process and open to wider discussion.

“Even if we lose the vote tonight, we will have sparked a debate about the wider constitutional issues. Real electoral and expenses reform at Westminster is long overdue, but by addressing these measures we can begin to rebuild the public’s trust.”

PLAID DISSOLUTION DEBATE CALLS FOR PRIME MINISTER

Plaid Cymru and SNP MPs have called once more for the Prime Minister Gordon Brown to personally come before the Commons and respond to the debate on the dissolution of the UK parliament this Wednesday.

The motion, if it was successful, will give the public the chance to pass judgment on their politicians and the UK Parliament – and call for an immediate General Election.

Plaid Cymru’s Westminster leader Elfyn Llwyd MP said:

“With such an important debate, I would presume that the Prime Minister would be in attendance, especially given the current amount of interest in Parliament and from the media.

“This debate will be a reflection of the extent of concern currently surrounding the state of Parliament as expressed by the public. However, unfortunately the Prime Minister has a record of not being around when the going gets tough - and tomorrow may be no different.”

“Plaid Cymru and the SNP are giving Parliament the chance to give the people back their say – and this can only be the beginning of a shake-up in the political system. We need reform of MPs' expenses, the first-past-the-post system, a fully elected House of Lords, a fixed term Parliament, and in Wales , a referendum on full law-making powers.”

Plaid MPs: Euro polls show that Dissolution debate urgently needed

Following the extent of Labour’s losses at the European elections, Plaid MPs will emphasise the importance of the debate calling on the dissolution of Parliament to be held this Wednesday (10 June).

Plaid Cymru and the Scottish National Party (SNP) will use Opposition Day time allotted to them to present a motion to dissolve the present Parliament.

Plaid Cymru’s Westminster Leader Elfyn Llwyd MP said:

“The polls from the European elections leave me in no doubt that the UK is in urgent need of a General Election.

“Gordon Brown needs to come to Parliament and respond to our debate. Labour’s performance in the European elections is proof that the UK Government has lost the authority to govern and the respect of the people. It is essential that we restore the trust and confidence in the whole Westminster system and their elected members.

“There can be no argument against the entire House of Commons submitting itself to a vote of the people who elected them either.

“Plaid Cymru and the SNP are giving Parliament the chance to give the people back their say – and this can only be the beginning of a shake-up in the political system. We need reform of the MPs' expenses system, a fully elected House of Lords and in Wales , a referendum on full law-making powers.”

BROWN MUST RESPOND TO DISSOLUTION DEBATE

Prime Minister Gordon Brown faces calls to come before the Commons and respond to the debate on dissolution of Parliament to be held next Wednesday (10 June) after the Scottish National Party (SNP) and Plaid Cymru confirmed they would use time allotted to them to force a dissolution vote.

SNP Westminster leader Angus Robertson MP said:

“We have had resignations and a panic reshuffle but what people really want is a General Election so they can have their say.

“Gordon Brown needs to come to parliament and respond to this debate. Both the prime minister and parliament have lost authority to govern, and people must have the chance to vote for a new House of Commons.

“The UK government is crumbling, its authority has drained away, parliament is out of step with public opinion, and an election is now essential to restore trust and confidence in the whole Westminster system.

“It is in Gordon Brown’s gift to request the dissolution of parliament, and so he must come to parliament and respond to this debate from the despatch box.

“There can be no argument against the entire House of Commons submitting itself to a vote of the people who elected them.

“This political crisis was created by politicians, and the SNP and Plaid Cymru are giving Parliament the chance to give the people their say. The time has come to allow people to have their say, and what better way to have a debate than hold a general election. There are a raft of issues from more responsibility for the Scottish Parliament, to reforming the House of Lords and the MPs' expenses issue that need to be debated by the public.”