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Blunkett calls for voting change
BRITONS should be forced to vote to end the "deep cynicism" with politics, David Blunkett MP has said.
The Sheffield Brightside MP said a compulsory voting bill should be brought in immediately, warning non-voting is highest among the most disadvantaged who are most affected by government action.
Turnout at the 2005 General Election stood at only 61.4 per cent compared to the whopping 83.9 per cent turnout recorded in the 1950 election.
The turnout in Brightside at the last election was a paltry 47.9 per cent, while in neighbouring Sheffield Central it was only 50.1 per cent.
Mr Blunkett was one of a number of former Labour ministers who were asked by a political magazine to name one piece of legislation they believe should be introduced in the forthcoming Queen's Speech, due on November 18.
The former Home Secretary replied: "The younger the voter, the more disadvantaged and more likely to be affected by government action on tax, spending and investment, the less likely the person is to actually cast a vote.
"The 'they're all the same' slogan is repeated over and over again to them so deep cynicism replaces healthy scepticism about politics and politicians. The better-off know voting will be crucial to determining their own wellbeing and best interests.
"I've come to the conclusion we should legislate immediately - in line with democracies like Australia - to make voting mandatory."
Rotherham MP Denis MacShane told Progress Magazine Prime Ministers and other government ministers should be allowed to serve two terms only.
Controversially, taxpayers' cash should also be used to fund political parties.
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Wednesday 23 May 2012
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