Green Party let down by electoral system and media – Yorkshire Post Letters

ONE of the major democratic problems in the United Kingdom electoral system is the ‘First Past The Post’ system that favours two large parties, and makes it difficult for smaller parties to break through.

In the 2019 election, over 600,000 Green votes secured only one Green MP in the country, admittedly the best of the bunch (Caroline Lucas).

That is why the Green Party, along with others in Make Votes Matter, including a handful of Labour MPs, argues for a system of proportional representation that works to reflect voter preferences, something we can see most clearly in the Northern Ireland Assembly elections, as well as in the Scottish Parliament.

It is disappointing that you gave so much attention to Tracy Brabin announcing her intention to seek the Labour nomination for next year’s West Yorkshire mayoral election (The Yorkshire Post, October 9) when Green Party members in West Yorkshire completed the selection of our candidate – Councillor Andrew Cooper – a month earlier.

We also, in the interests of democracy, selected the individual who will become Deputy Mayor if West Yorkshire elects the first Green Metro mayor – former Bradford councillor Hawarun Hussain.

It is not only the electoral system, but the complicity of the Press that reinforces the ‘two-party system’ through coverage that excludes so-called ‘minor’ parties.

It is important to note that more voters in West Yorkshire agreed with Green Party policies at the last election, than with those of any other party.

Hopes dashed for rail route?

From: A Oldfield, Huddersfield, Penistone and Sheffield Rail Users’ Association.

SHEFFIELD to Manchester rail connectivity is vital to the northern economy, but is it not the case that it means more to the former rather than the latter?

Both cities are Northern Powerhouse partners but is there not a considerable economic gulf between them, so does any appetite exist west of the Pennines for this corridor? Northern unity – does it only apply in certain circumstances?

Northern England is served by a Victorian rail system, exemplified by the Hope Valley housing three long tunnels: Totley three miles 950 yards; Cowburn two miles 182 yards; and Disley two miles 346 yards which comprise almost 20 per cent of the route; and then add the cramped formation. Does this really represent fertile ground for investment? Nobody has stated what constitutes significant Hope Valley improvements.

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Thank you

James Mitchinson