Talks urged on British electoral reform

LONDON, May 11 (UPI) -- Liberal Democrat Leader Charles Kennedy Wednesday joined the chorus of politicians calling for British electoral reform.

Currently a party's parliamentary share does not depend on its share of the vote but on the number of representatives elected in local "winner takes all" contests. The system has come in for scrutiny since Labor won last week's election with the support of just a fifth of Britain's adult population.

As senior Labor figures called on Prime Minister Tony Blair to take action, Kennedy's spokesman told the Independent: "The door is open as far as we are concerned on voting reform. The prime minister could pick up the phone tomorrow if he wishes."

John Denham, Labor chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee, said he supports the introduction of proportional representation while former Foreign Secretary Robin Cook said the electoral system should produce a Parliament that reflects the way people vote.

Protesters at a demonstration outside Downing Street Tuesday wore gags as a symbol of their feelings. Lib Dem and Labor lawmakers are planning a campaign to put reform on the political agenda.