Press Release: Friends of the Earth say YES! to Fairer Votes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friends of the Earth Northern Ireland today officially declared their support for the YES! to Fairer Votes campaign. In the run up to the referendum on the voting system on 5th May, YES! to Fairer Votes is engaging the voluntary and charitable sectors about the importance of a YES! vote.

Speaking today in Belfast, James Orr, Northern Ireland Director said: “Friends of the Earth believe the environment is for everyone. It is a natural fit for us to
support a campaign which would make those who govern the environment be more responsive to people’s desires.”

Stephen Glenn, YES! to Fairer Votes Organiser for NI, said: “Naturally, we’re delighted to add the support of Friends of the Earth to our growing list. A YES!
vote means an end to having to vote to stop who you don’t want and allows people to express preferences for those who reflect what you actually believe. It

will force MPs to work harder and ensure every vote counts as MPs have to gain the support of 50% of the people.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:
1. Photo of James Orr, Director, Friends of the Earth NI , and Stephen Glenn, NI Organiser, Yes! to Fairer Votes is attached.

2. Yes! to Fairer Votes is registered with the Electoral Commission as the campaign for a Yes vote in the Referendum on the Voting System on May 5th.

3. The Referendum on May 5th is our one chance to change politics. The Alternative Vote will:

• Make all MPs work harder
  Two out of three MPs won their seats when most people backed someone else. AV means all of them need to aim for support from 50% of voters to get elected. So they’ll have to work harder to earn – and keep – our support.
• Make your vote count
  AV lets you show your support for any candidates you think are up to the job. So if our favourite doesn’t win you can still have a say – it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3…
• Tackle the ‘Jobs for Life’ culture
  Most MPs are set for life in safe seats. It’s bred the arrogance we saw in the expenses scandal. AV forces lazy politicians to sit up and listen, and reach out to the communities they seek to represent – it makes safe seats less safe.

For interviews:

Stephen Glenn, 07585 400917

Advertisement