9-02-04

Barrett backs plans to keep 129 MSPs

John Barrett, Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, today called for a review of the way MSPs are elected, during the first debate on the legislation that will keep the Scottish Parliament's 129 total.

The Scottish Parliament Constituencies Bill will break the link between Holyrood and Westminster parliamentary boundaries, ensuring the impending cut in Scottish MPs numbers does not impact on the total number of MSPs in the Scottish Parliament.

However, the Labour dominated Scottish Affairs Select Committee produced a report last week, recommending the two sets of boundaries stay linked and that the system of electing the Scottish Parliament be changed to ensure this.
Speaking ahead of the Bill's first debate in the House of Commons, Mr Barrett said:

"From abolishing student tuition fees to introducing free personal care for the elderly, the Scottish Parliament has achieved a great deal since its re-establishment 5 years ago. 

"Such achievements have not come because there are 129 MSPs but its current total does give the Parliament the ability to deal with legislation and issues in a way that many MPs at Westminster can only dream of.  That is why the UK Government is right to have brought forward this legislation.

"Having different boundaries for different parliaments will present some challenges, mostly for politicians and political parties.  However, any talk of political chaos ensuing is farcical and is only used by those pursuing self-political interests.
" In the longer term though, the Government would do well to look at the whole way we elect our MSPs and see where improvements can be made.

"One thing is for sure.  The recommendations by the Scottish Affairs Select Committee would destroy the proportional system for the Parliament, create a massive Labour majority and run totally contrary to the consensus forged at the Scottish Constitutional Convention.  The Government must reject these ideas and reject them swiftly."

ENDS