Charles Kennedy: Why the country cannot afford to say no to AV.

I don't know about you, but everyone I've spoken to about NO2AV's disgusting adverts is seriously angry. I, along with all the Manor FOCUS Team have signed our names to the YesTo FairerVotes letter to the Advertising Standards Authority – we urge you do the same. Please read the comments by Former Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Charles Kennedy, below on the No2AV's local paper adverts. And add your name to show your disgust. I very much doubt that this is how low the No2AV campaign will go - it may only be the beginning. 

It certainly shows one clear thing - those defenders of First Past The Post are so ingrained with preserving an outdated, outmoded and past its best voting system that they have to resort to scare mongering tactics as a form of argument and debate. It's a dishonest campaign that deserves to lose.


Over recent days No2AV have published a series of ads in local papers that can be described as distasteful at best, shocking and outrageous at worst.

The premise behind the ads is that the country can't afford the alternative voting system. That by saying Yes to AV, voters will be taking £250 million away from sick babies in need of care, or soldiers in need of armour.

I say this kind of behaviour shows exactly why the UK can't afford to say no to AV.

It's clear that the No campaign don't have the integrity to regulate themselves, but this is our once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to change politics in the UK. We mustn't let the country get distracted by the No campaign's cheap tricks.

Yes to Fairer Votes are calling on the Advertising Standards Authority to issue guidance on this campaign - and fast. Please add your name today.
http://www.yestofairervotes.org/cosign-ASA

The No campaign are building their arguments on scaremongering. They are doing a massive disservice to the voters of the UK. This is a serious subject and we need them to engage in honest, open debate.

This debate must centre on the future of politics in the UK, re-engaging voters and giving a voice to people, this is too important to be sidelined by petty backbiting and cynical campaigning.

UK voters are entitled to decent, honest and truthful advertising campaigns - these adverts fail on every count. Join us in calling for the ASA to step in today, so that we can get on with the debate the country deserves.
http://www.yestofairervotes.org/cosign-ASA

We can't waste this opportunity.

Charles Kennedy