Marathon debate on AV Bill in House of Lords adjourned

A marathon Lords debate on changing the voting system has ended earlier than expected amid speculation about a deal between Labour and the coalition.

The debate is due to resume on Wednesday as efforts continue behind the scenes to reach a compromise.

Labour objects to plans to cut the number of constituencies, part of a bill proposing a referendum on changing the voting system.

But the coalition has accused it of time-wasting tactics to get its way.

Just eight amendments to the Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill were debated in nearly 21 hours during a marathon all-night sitting starting on Monday.

Peers made slightly more progess in just over an hour of debate when it resumed on Tuesday.

For the referendum on the introduction of the Alternative Vote (AV) for Westminster elections to take place as planned on 5 May, the Bill needs to be law by 16 February.

'Dinosaurs'

This is because the Electoral Commission needs a full 10 weeks, as set out in previous legislation, to fully prepare for a referendum.

Frustration spilled over into the Commons earlier, with Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg accusing Labour of relying on its "dinosaurs" in the House of Lords to prevent the public from having a say on Britain's voting system.

Mr Clegg conceded the battle with the Lords had meant the legislation had "somewhat stalled" but stressed: "It will be passed. We are determined that it shall be passed."

During rowdy Commons exchanges, Mr Clegg rounded on Labour leader Ed Miliband, accusing him of "weak political leadership" for allowing his peers to behave in this way.

Opposition has focused on the part of the Bill that plans to cut the number of MPs from 650 to 600, which Labour politicians believe would favour the Conservatives.

Lord Falconer warned the government that unless the measure was dropped the legislation would not become law in time for the May referendum.

But he said Labour would co-operate to ensure a 5 May referendum if the Bill was split to allow separate consideration of the constituency changes.

Monday's session was preceded by angry exchanges between Lords Leader and Conservative peer Lord Strathclyde and Lord Falconer, the shadow justice minister, over whether Labour peers were deliberately trying to "talk out" the measure.

'Opportunistic'

Lord Strathclyde struck a more conciliatory tone at the start of Tuesday's debate, quipping: "Your Lordships are looking remarkably spritely - I am almost tempted to do it all over again."

He commended the Lords staff for their back-up for the all-night sitting, including camp beds for "the lucky few" and "a most delicious breakfast" in the early hours.

He added: "We are about to go into committee for the 10th day and I am hopeful that today's progress will be somewhat more speedy than yesterday's."

Lord Falconer echoed tributes to House staff, confirmed he remained "willing to discuss" procedures and the content of the Bill with a view to bringing "an end to the position".

Speaking earlier, Baroness Warsi, co-chairman of the Conservative Party, said: "These time-wasting tactics by former Labour MPs are preventing the public from having a say on a policy Ed Miliband claims he supports.

"His failure to act is either a sign he is weak and cannot control his own party or that he is being opportunistic and playing politics ahead of an important referendum.

"Ed Miliband needs to say clearly whether he supports these tactics or an AV vote."

Liberal Democrat party president Tim Farron has written to party members asking them to call on Labour peers and MPs to end their "filibuster" of the Bill.

Mr Farron said: "Labour peers are holding the democratic process hostage by blocking any progress of the Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill.

"Ed Miliband has spoken of a new way of doing politics but the tricks employed by Labour peers are the worst example of petty party politics."