Rally and Purple Light show kick off day of electoral reform at Labour conference Manchester

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Rally and Purple Light show kick off day of electoral reform at Labour conference Manchester

28.09.2010 // by Andy May

Andy: Here's a copy of our press release for todays rally - looking forward to it! There is also an Electoral Reform Society fringe at 8pm in the Town Hall with another excellent array of speakers.

PRESS RELEASE:

Rally will callon new Labour leader Ed Miliband to actively back the YES campaign ahead of the2011 AV referendum.

Purple light show will light up Manchester town hall purple - the colour ofthe suffragettes from 7pm - 8pm.

Billy Bragg, civil society leaders and Labour figures to address the crowd

Tuesday 28 September, 5.45pm - 7pm Albert Square, Manchester

Supporters of the 'Yes to Fairer votes' campaign are expected to gather for arally outside Labour conference following the announcement of the new partyleader.

Hundreds of local reform supporters attended the last Fair Votes rally in Manchester, during thecoalition negotiations in May, as simultaneous ‘purple’ demonstrations wereheld nationwide.

Organisers Take Back Parliament will be urging the newly appointed leader ofthe opposition to prove their support for reform, by actively campaigning forthe YES vote at the upcoming referendum on the Alternative Vote.

Billy Bragg will lead the rally, with further speeches by:

Fiona Mactaggart MP

Billy Hayes, General Secretary of the CWU

Neal Lawson, Director of Compass

Peter Facey, Director of Unlock Democracy.

National Coordinator of Take Back Parliament Andy May said,

“Ed Miliband has already made promising remarks about campaigning for a 'Yes'vote in next years referendum on the Alternative vote. We're asking himto join this cross party campaign and grasp the opportunity to improve ourcreaking, unjust and outdated voting system.

“People are sick of voting tactically, and sick of voting with their heartknowing that it’s worthless. Then there are the millions more - especiallyyoung people - who don’t even bother, faced with this choice.

“In the 2010 election sixteen million people cast votes that didn’t countbecause of our absurd electoral system. On Tuesday we will be calling onEd to finally give these people a voice – and by actively supporting the YEScampaign, to stand by Labour’s long tradition of fighting for what is fair forall. We'll be lighting up the town sqaure purple for reform.”

For more information on the rally, to arrange an interview, or on Take BackParliament generally, contact:

Andy May on 07917824009 or at andy@takeitback.org.uk

Notes to editors:

1. Take Back Parliament is a coalition of voters,political reformers and over 30 diverse campaigning organisations committed toelectoral reform.

www.takebackparliament.com

07917 824009