Embargoed 0001hrs, Weds 3 March
The former Education & Employment, Home and Work & Pensions Secretary, Rt Hon David Blunkett MP, will warn of stark figures showing that the public’s respect for and engagement with Members of Parliament has plunged to new lows at a Hansard Society event on Wednesday.
Mr Blunkett will join a cross-party panel at the launch of the Hansard Society’s 7th annual Audit of Political Engagement at 6.30pm on Wednesday 3 March in the Attlee Suite, Portcullis House, Westminster. He will remind the electorate that “every vote counts” – and that high turnout on Polling Day is essential in this crucial election for the country’s future.
Read more about the event at the Hansard Society website here.
The Audit will show that although there has not been a “fundamental realignment” of voters’ views of MPs ahead of the impending General Election, the allowances scandal has “confirmed and hardened” their scepticism about politicians. Dissatisfaction with Parliament has risen to 38% - up 5% since last year – and dissatisfaction with MPs is up by 8 points to 44%.
However, dissatisfaction among with the public with how their own MP is doing his or her job stands at only 16% - and, comfortingly, 56% of respondents can name their constituency MP!
Mr Blunkett will warn of the dangers of the widening gap between politicians and the public and its implications for turnout at election time. The Society’s research indicates that only 54% of the public are certain to go to the polling station.
Mr Blunkett will say: “Our challenge is to get the 54% figure up to a respectable 70%. This would give both a more accurate reflection of public opinion and a real say to the many people who disqualify themselves from influencing what happens in their own lives and the nation as a whole over the next five years.
“They do this despite the fact that 76% believe that it is their ‘duty’ to vote and 59% acknowledge that voting does make a difference to their lives.
“The message is simple from this research: turnout will be crucial and every vote really will count.”
ENDS
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