Lewisham welcomes NO 2 AV campaign

No 2 AV on Lewisham High StreetThe NO 2 AV campaign came to Lewisham on Saturday (16th April) with a street stall explaining what the Alternative Vote is and why it should be opposed. As well as explaining the issue, NO 2 AV gave out balloons and stickers to children and keen adults.

The stall, outside TK Maxx on Lewisham High Street, gained much support from supporters of various political parties and other people keen to preserve the democratic principle of “one person, one vote”.

The campaign was supported by Conservative councillor Christine Allison and Conservative GLA candidate Alex Wilson as well as people from across Lewisham borough.

Campaign organiser Michael Rutherford said: “We were delighted with the response we received from people in Lewisham. As local people, we think Lewisham should shout a loud ‘No’ against the unfair and complex Alternative Vote.

“We believe that the current system is a fairer and simpler system that excludes extremist parties such as the BNP. It is a tried and tested system that produces strong governments and avoids horse-trading by politicians. The person with the most votes wins.

“Alternative Vote will not end ‘safe’ seats nor will it mean MPs have to work harder. Experience in the handful of countries – including Fiji and Papua New Guinea - that use it shows that it creates less proportionate results. It means that one person’s fifth preference is the same as another’s first preference.”

The campaign against Alternative Vote will continue across Lewisham before the referendum on May 5th.