The Labour government has left the UK electoral system in a mess. This is not to say that it was perfect before, but now we just don't know where we are, let alone where we're going.

I'm one of a small band of people who actually thought that an unelected chamber was a good idea. It's members responsible to no one but their own conscience, and the long-term good of the country, while being subservient to the democratically elected chamber sitting opposite them.

I've always looked on it as being like a big brother who can take the rash little brother aside and say, hang on a minute, if you do this, this is what could happen. Are you sure that's what you want? But always in the knowledge that it can delay, make them think, but not prevent.

But the days of such a wise, and necessarily conservative (note the small c!) body are numbered and we're left with what? Ultimately what is the need for a second chamber? It's only role should be as a check on the primary legislative body, and if you elect them, they have as great a mandate as the commons.

But this isn't the only problem with the electoral reform of the last ten years. What is Britain? We now have four seperate political entities, a parliament in Scotland, assemblies in Wales and Northern Ireland and a United Kingdom parliament which legislates for England in the areas devolved to the other home nations. As we all know, this leads to Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish MPs being able to vote on matters for England and can only be seen as wrong.

Ultimately a goal needs to be set out. Someone to say "This is how we will run the United Kingdom." It may be a federal state, it may even end in the creation of seperate nations, each going it's own way, but there must be a goal.

We need to reform our electoral system. However until we know what the desired outcome is, nothing should be changed. Until then, if you believe strongly in one or another option, go out there and convince us, convince me that it is the right course for us as individuals, nations and The United Kingdom.

Learn more about this author, Huw Freeman.
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