Beyond Covid-19 is a programme of online Speaker Events for members and supporters of the Green Parties of Lambeth and Southwark. At each event we hear from topic experts and consider ways to ensure that the lessons from coronavirus lead to a more positive future for all.

This event focuses on Electoral Reform and we are delighted to welcome former national Party Leader and member of the House of Lords, Natalie Bennett. (Required RSVP is at the foot of this page).

Electoral Reform – to replace First Past the Post with Proportional Representation (PR) – has long been core Green Party policy and we see it as vital for a functioning democracy.

“We need to take back control of Westminster by delivering an electoral system that produces a government reflecting the will of the people. Eighty per cent of OECD countries use proportional electoral systems. Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the London Assembly all use proportional representation. Proportional systems have higher turnout - people know their vote will count.” www.nataliebennett.org

And it is not just a Green Party concern: all smaller parties are cheated of representation; millions of voters remain unrepresented and our democracy is undermined.

• Does the current pandemic change the debate?
• What about the voting age? ...better representation of minorities? ...the unelected House of Lords?
• And how can we work with other parties and campaign groups to press for change?

In addition to hearing Natalie’s views on these points and more, you can raise your own questions (email [email protected]). This promises to be an informative and timely event and we look forward to welcoming you.

Please RSVP to this event below to receive the necessary details on how to attend.

A few links to further reading that you may find interesting ahead of the event:

Green Party manifesto (see pages 38-40 for the section relating to Growing Democracy)

Make Votes Matter

Electoral Reform Society