In the EU referendum, every vote mattered. It should be that way every time we go to the polls

Giving people a genuine chance to shape their futures via the ballot box will address the disaffection that has brought us to the point of political crisis – and that’s why I’m introducing a Bill to change our voting system

Green MP Caroline Lucas, who is introducing a Bill in favour of reforming the voting system (PA)

Just under a month ago, huge numbers of the British public let out a cry of rage against a political establishment that has silenced them for too long. The result of the EU referendum was a surprise to many of us, but perhaps it shouldn’t have been.

For generations now we’ve lived in a country that’s both politically and economically divided, where people feel they don’t have a say on the issues that matter to them. The gap between rich and poor is as well documented as it is pervasive. But the democratic deficit is just as deeply entrenched – and far less commented upon.

People have a deep sense of alienation, and of being ignored. One reason for such feeling is our out-of-date and unfair electoral system that perpetually locks people out from having a say over who represents them.

Just look at the results of the last general election, described by the Electoral Reform Society (ERS) as “the most disproportionate in electoral history”. Three out of four votes cast were “wasted” and the Government was elected on just 24 per cent of eligible vote.

Almost 5 million people vote for the Green Party and Ukip – and yet Douglas Carswell and I are the only MPs representing those voters. It’s no wonder that so many people were persuaded by the idea of “taking back control”.

Today I’m introducing a Bill to Parliament to fix our broken democracy and deliver a voting system which allows everyone's views to be represented. I personally favour an Additional Member System for elections to the House of Commons. This would retain a constituency link, but have a proportional element to ensure Parliament fully reflect the views of the population.

This is an exciting time for those of us who believe in a fair voting system. The Labour Party – which has often been hesitant on the issue – seems to be coming round to the idea. They’re supported by the SNP, Plaid Cymru, the Lib Dems, Ukip and my own party too. It looks increasingly like that the Conservatives will be isolated on this issue at the next general election.

The Bill I am introducing today also aims to give 16- and 17-year-olds a vote. They are considered old enough to enter into marriage and civil partnerships, pay income tax and National Insurance, obtain welfare benefits in their own right, join the armed forces and join a political party or trade union. Surely they should help elect the MPs that make decisions about all these things?

Giving people a genuine opportunity to shape their own futures via the ballot box is fundamental to addressing the disaffection that has brought us to the crisis we currently face. That’s why pressing for progressive reforms to the British constitution as part of the Brexit discussion is crucial.

In the referendum every vote mattered. That needs to be the case each time we go to the polls – and I say that as someone devastated by this result.

In the referendum, people voted to “take back control”. Yet, unless we break out of the straightjacket of our antiquated and unfair voting system, many people will still have no say over who runs the country or represents them in Parliament.

I’m urging MPs to begin to mend our broken politics by supporting my Bill today and reaching across the party divide in order to drag our democracy into the 21st century.