21 July 2010 - Constituencies

Ann McKechin MP pressed the Secretary of State for Scotland, Michael Moore, on the question of gerrymandering Scottish constituency sizes on the basis of an arbitrary number of persons who have chosen to enfranchise themseves by signing the electoral register.

Ann McKechin (Glasgow North) (Lab): Members of the House understand the unique geographical factors that affect island communities, but does the Secretary of State not accept that it would be grossly unfair to Scotland’s great cities if their constituency numbers were artificially inflated as a result of that fact, to make up the difference, so that the Government can reach an arbitrary number plucked out by Conservative party central office? Surely the issue should be determined solely by the independent Boundary Commission, not the Conservative party that he seeks to support?

Michael Moore: The hon. Lady is trying to advance the very strange principle that across the country there should be different weights for votes, depending on where they are cast. We have to ensure that when we redraw the boundaries, we equalise out those votes to give them equal weight. If people need to register to vote, let us get on with ensuring that they do; there is a responsibility on all of us, and on local authorities, to ensure that that happens.