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Clean Politics > Published by Will Straw, February 22nd 2011 at 6:13 pm

The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low

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Judging by the reaction on twitter, the Tory-led NO to AV campaign have over-stepped the mark with their latest advert against the alternative vote.

Yesterday’s Birmingham Post carried this picture bearing the legend ‘She needs a new cardiac facility NOT an alternative voting system”.

The ad, which is due to be rolled out to national publications in the coming days, goes on to remake the discredited claim that £250 million would be spent on AV. As Left Foot Forward and Next Left showed last week the £250m includes £130m for electronic vote counting machines which are unnecessary and the £82m cost of the referendum which gets paid regardless of the result.

More galling than the false claims are those behind the attack ad which seeks to play on the public’s concerns about cuts. The No to AV website outlines that £250m could be better spent on “2,053 doctors, 5,719 police officers, 6,297 teachers, 8,107 nurses, 36,000 hip replacements or 60,000 school places.” But campaign chief, Matthew Elliott, was the man behind the TaxPayers’ Alliance’s joint report with the Institute of Director’s in September 2009 titled ‘How to save £50 billion‘, which recommended now-adopted coalition policies including cutting Sure Start and abolishing Education Maintenance Allowances.

Without a hint of irony, the frontpage of the No to AV website today even asked whether the money could be better spent on the Sheffield Forgemasters loan which was scrapped by George Osborne. But they were found out by the Financial Times’ Christoper Cook who reported that the Department for Business said it was untrue that the loan would be reinstated if there was a ‘No’ vote in May.

The approach is exactly as predicted on Left Foot Forward in November. With polls today showing quite how tight the referendum has become it seems there is no limit to how low the No campaign will stoop.

  • http://twitter.com/ns_mehdihasan/status/40112297351319552 Mehdi Hasan

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW

  • http://twitter.com/geekofhearts/status/40112437692862465 Joe Jordan

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW

  • http://twitter.com/joshgbhardy/status/40112477261922304 Joshua G B Hardy

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW

  • http://twitter.com/psyborg9/status/40112647084969984 psyborg9

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW

  • http://twitter.com/zabius/status/40112745219100673 G

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW

  • http://twitter.com/jessica_asato/status/40112849267195904 Jessica Asato

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW

  • http://twitter.com/julianswainson/status/40112886344982528 Julian Swainson
  • http://twitter.com/shamikdas/status/40113169015898113 Shamik Das

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW #Yes2AV @YesInMay http://myloc.me/hZuhq

  • http://twitter.com/amishaghadiali/status/40113213009965056 Amisha Ghadiali

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW

  • http://twitter.com/samdodgeman/status/40113615034007552 Sam Dodgin

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW

  • http://twitter.com/mickjh/status/40113813499936769 Mick Hogben

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW

  • http://twitter.com/kategroucutt/status/40113878763446272 Kate Groucutt

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW > that poster is vile

  • http://twitter.com/babygotbakunin/status/40114040772636672 babygotbakunin

    Apparently, as well as depriving ARE BOYS of body armour, switching to the Alternative Vote will kill babies! http://bit.ly/hOPKG4

  • http://twitter.com/witchlet/status/40114110716715008 Marjory Smith
  • http://twitter.com/guyleonard/status/40114359329882112 Guy Leonard

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW

  • http://twitter.com/uwitness/status/40114780496863232 Unreliable Witness

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW

  • http://twitter.com/othertpa/status/40114818975268864 Other TaxPayers Alli

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: #NO2AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW < straight out of the TPA campaign book

  • http://twitter.com/jackseale/status/40115343099695105 Jack Seale

    Remember that awful dying baby ad for #no2av earlier? Apparently the £250m figure isn't even kosher. RT @leftfootfwd: http://bit.ly/ftvBEW

  • http://twitter.com/rozakthegoon/status/40115452357259265 oliver armstrong

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW

  • http://twitter.com/bencooper86/status/40115451006693377 Ben Cooper

    RT @labouryes: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW #labouryes #yes2av #yesinmay

  • http://twitter.com/acpart/status/40116700762484736 Alex P

    Incredibly ill judged ad campaign by the #notoAV people. Best reason yet to vote yes: http://bit.ly/fRieK2

  • http://twitter.com/kirsty_c/status/40116757066686464 Kirsty Connell

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW

  • http://twitter.com/andywimbush/status/40116792487579649 Andy Wimbush

    RT @OtherTPA: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: #NO2AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW < straight out of the TPA campaign book

  • http://twitter.com/rawrsomesauce/status/40116895612928002 Josh Williams

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW

  • http://twitter.com/simonjrogers/status/40117190854320128 Simon Rogers

    I support FPTP, but this is almost enough to make my change my mind http://bit.ly/ftvBEW

  • http://twitter.com/mattfrog/status/40117203147816960 Matt Harwood

    The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low | Left Foot Forward http://t.co/G9Epa7L

  • http://twitter.com/azadbanks/status/40117776320299008 AzadBanks

    On AV, anything the Tax Payers Alliance support must be something I oppose. It is a rule which has served me well. http://bit.ly/eYXyr5

  • http://twitter.com/annaturley/status/40117811414175744 Anna Turley

    RT @lewis_baston: Deplorable #no2AV ads http://bit.ly/ftvBEW – can this unedifying campaign get any worse, more juvenile and misleading? …

  • http://twitter.com/krs133/status/40117838320504832 Simon

    RT @lewis_baston: Deplorable #no2AV ads http://bit.ly/ftvBEW – can this unedifying campaign get any worse, more juvenile and misleading? …

  • http://twitter.com/bilbobaggins2k/status/40118015773122560 Kathrine Stokes
  • http://twitter.com/dafletcher/status/40118518280237056 dafletcher

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW

  • http://twitter.com/sallybercow/status/40119117004550144 Sally Bercow

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW <<totally disingenuous poster. #no2avFAIL

  • http://twitter.com/paulsandars/status/40119249183711232 Paul Sandars

    RT @SallyBercow: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW <<totally disingenuous poste …

  • http://twitter.com/hal_berstram/status/40119256473542656 Hal Berstram

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW

  • http://twitter.com/petestleger/status/40119268485898240 Peter Searle

    RT @SallyBercow: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW <<totally disingenuous poste …

  • http://twitter.com/saadaabjanab/status/40119363172311040 Saadaab Janab

    RT @SallyBercow: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW <<totally disingenuous poste …

  • http://twitter.com/press_not_sorry/status/40119432978239488 Press Not Sorry

    RT @OtherTPA: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: #NO2AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW < straight out of the TPA campaign book

  • http://twitter.com/hannahpopsy/status/40119510006501377 Hannah Pops Barham

    RT @SallyBercow: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW <<totally disingenuous poste …

  • http://twitter.com/0jhl/status/40119576909848576 Oliver Lord

    RT @KateGroucutt: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW > that poster is vile

  • http://twitter.com/boristhedalek/status/40119582161256448 Mark Corden

    RT @SallyBercow: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW <<totally disingenuous poste …

  • http://twitter.com/brownhillsbob/status/40119672120541184 Brownhills Bob

    RT @SallyBercow: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW <<totally disingenuous poste …

  • http://twitter.com/chimerapapers/status/40119927117451264 Tim Fisher

    RT @SallyBercow: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW <<totally disingenuous poste …

  • http://twitter.com/johnthecabby/status/40120153370931200 John Kennedy

    RT @labouryes: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW #labouryes #yes2av #yesinmay

  • http://twitter.com/ada4500/status/40120167518318592 ada4500

    RT @SallyBercow: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW <<totally disingenuous poste …

  • http://twitter.com/jontringham/status/40120209880645632 Jon Tringham

    RT @SallyBercow: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW <<totally disingenuous poste …

  • http://twitter.com/m_a_r_q_u_i_s/status/40120241321287680 The Hon. M C G Young

    RT @SallyBercow: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW <<totally disingenuous poste …

  • http://twitter.com/callumringer/status/40120300838457344 Callum Ringer

    RT @SallyBercow: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW <<totally disingenuous poste …

  • http://twitter.com/jannyjan1/status/40120861553995776 janice ware

    RT @SallyBercow: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW <<totally disingenuous poste …

  • http://twitter.com/clea_c/status/40121308373188609 Clea Curtis

    RT @SallyBercow: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW <<totally disingenuous poste …

  • http://twitter.com/mrbsergeant/status/40121428040888320 Brian Sergeant

    RT @SallyBercow: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW <<totally disingenuous poste …

  • http://twitter.com/paul_burgin/status/40121521380790272 Paul Burgin

    RT @labouryes: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW #labouryes #yes2av #yesinmay

  • http://twitter.com/red_den/status/40121855092199424 Red Den

    RT @SallyBercow: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW <<totally disingenuous poste …

  • http://twitter.com/crowded_island/status/40121890261565440 crowded_island

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW

  • http://twitter.com/calalal/status/40122057828077568 Gabriella

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW

  • http://www.stephenwigmore.blogspot.com Stephen W

    This is indeed pretty low. I oppose AV, but this is a disgrace.

    What kind of clowns are running the NO2AV campaign?

  • http://twitter.com/brokenofbritain/status/40122678891397120 Broken OfBritain

    RT @jonathand: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low | Left Foot Forward: http://bit.ly/i0FDqs via @leftfootfwd

  • http://twitter.com/pavitarmann/status/40122764023169024 Pavitar Mann

    I hadn't decided where I stood on the AV debate,but now I have thanks to this awful, nasty poster,crtsy of @leftfootfwd http://bit.ly/ftvBEW

  • http://twitter.com/tweet4labour/status/40122782889164800 Tweet4Labour

    She needs a new cardiac facility NOT for a former TPA hack making a sick political points http://is.gd/sNgu8s #no2av #yes2av #meh2av

  • http://twitter.com/mathewclapham/status/40122811070681088 Mathew Clapham

    RT @SallyBercow: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW <<totally disingenuous poste …

  • http://twitter.com/tweetisfree/status/40122976393363456 Laurie

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW

  • http://twitter.com/grwalker2804/status/40123052574507009 Graham Walker

    RT @SallyBercow: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW <<totally disingenuous poste …

  • http://twitter.com/chrisplol/status/40123139677495296 Chris Paul

    RT @Tweet4Labour: She needs a new cardiac facility NOT for a former TPA hack making a sick political points http://is.gd/sNgu8s #no2av # …

  • http://twitter.com/trevdick/status/40123258472890368 Trevor Stables

    RT @SallyBercow: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW <<totally disingenuous poste …

  • http://twitter.com/oibudd/status/40123385350594560 Katie Budd

    RT @SallyBercow: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW <<totally disingenuous poste …

  • http://twitter.com/doktorb/status/40123415121625089 Líam

    I agree with @SallyBercow – This is no way to phrase an argument http://is.gd/BnzLNp

  • http://twitter.com/paddybriggs/status/40123631552053248 Paddy Briggs

    What a disgusting poster from #no2av – defence of democracy requires democrats to tell the truth. This doesn't.http://bit.ly/ftvBEW #yes2av

  • http://twitter.com/jcwinterburn/status/40124029272592384 John Winterburn

    @leftfootfwd The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW <<<<< what an awful campaign ad!

  • http://twitter.com/superretroid/status/40124053146710016 Paul Wood

    RT @OtherTPA: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: #NO2AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW < straight out of the TPA campaign book

  • http://twitter.com/chrisking65/status/40124364082909184 chrisking65

    RT @SallyBercow: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW <<totally disingenuous poste …

  • http://twitter.com/crdb1976/status/40124698159366144 Chris Bryant

    Do you think there's a case for banning propaganda in this country? >> http://bit.ly/ftvBEW

  • http://twitter.com/yesinmayne/status/40125149869113345 Yes2FairerVotes

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW

  • http://twitter.com/aquinaspolitics/status/40125706109333505 Will Dawson

    RT @SallyBercow: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW <<totally disingenuous poste …

  • http://twitter.com/buddini/status/40126568047058944 kevin budd

    RT @SallyBercow: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW <<totally disingenuous poste …

  • http://twitter.com/skinner_m/status/40127905631571968 Matthew Skinner

    RT @lewis_baston: Deplorable #no2AV ads http://bit.ly/ftvBEW – can this unedifying campaign get any worse, more juvenile and misleading? …

  • http://twitter.com/sephrbrown/status/40128250739040257 Joseph Brown

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW

  • http://twitter.com/saraloug/status/40128358700285953 Sara Gregory

    RT @SallyBercow: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW <<totally disingenuous poste …

  • http://twitter.com/christophechang/status/40128929662631936 Christophe Chang

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW

  • http://twitter.com/keith_death/status/40129437571747840 Keith Death

    RT @Tweet4Labour: She needs a new cardiac facility NOT for a former TPA hack making a sick political points http://is.gd/sNgu8s #no2av # …

  • http://twitter.com/dg3design/status/40129864430399488 Richard Honey

    RT @labouryes: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW #labouryes #yes2av #yesinmay

  • http://twitter.com/badmonotreme/status/40130563667005440 Richard Smith

    RT @SallyBercow: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW <<totally disingenuous poste …

  • http://twitter.com/w14nick/status/40132122748518400 Nick Theobald

    RT @SallyBercow: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW <<totally disingenuous poste …

  • http://twitter.com/platanosuerte/status/40133847987261441 Martin Xuárez-Brown

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/eYXyr5 #YesinMay #Yes2AV

  • http://twitter.com/leslie1922/status/40135210154590208 Les

    RT @SallyBercow: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW <<totally disingenuous poste …

  • http://twitter.com/hens4freedom/status/40138576003862528 Hens4Freedom

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW

  • http://twitter.com/bronskimac/status/40139203866001408 Chris Gibson

    RT @jonathand: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low | Left Foot Forward: http://bit.ly/i0FDqs via @leftfootfwd

  • http://twitter.com/akashers/status/40140053170618369 Arv Kaushal

    RT @SallyBercow: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW <<totally disingenuous poste …

  • http://twitter.com/trurojoe/status/40140527819173888 Joe Taylor

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW

  • http://twitter.com/ndpofficeassist/status/40140794904068096 Nigel Paul

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW

  • http://twitter.com/c_mackintosh/status/40143800345178112 Christian Mackintosh

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW

  • Ben C

    Just to point out, the offending advert was actually in yesterday’s (21st Feb) Birmingham Mail (not the Birmingham Post, which is only published weekly now).

    It’s a dreadful advert, directly relying on emotional blackmail based on figures that are, at best, highly questionable indeed. It also fails to put forward any kind of argument against AV based upon it’s perceived flaws, let alone actually spell out any positive case for why FPTP should be kept. No2AV look to be adding a local spin to these adverts (if they publish any more of them, which I imagine they plan to), as the main body of copy on the advert finishes- “Now is not the right time to be spending money that could be put to better use. Like a much-needed new Children’s Heart Centre at Birmingham’s Children’s Hospital.”

    I know Birmingham is one of the national sites that will continue doing specialist child heart surgery no matter what option is taken from the recently published review into childrens’ heart surgery, according to this BBC report from Fergus Walsh-

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/ferguswalsh/2011/02/childrens_heart_surgery_review_published.html

    What I don’t know is if Birmingham Childrens Hospital desperately needs a new Heart centre- but if this referendum wasn’t happening I somehow doubt they be getting such a centre as a result. I suppose the way those that support making the change to AV should view this is that it’s evidence of how desperate & nasty the No campaign has become, & a glimpse into a near future where the TPA & their wealthy chums increasingly call the shots on policy & election campaigning.

  • http://twitter.com/s_t_cx/status/40150076198354944 Stan Broadhurst

    RT @SallyBercow: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW <<totally disingenuous poste …

  • william

    August 1997,Gordon McMaster,Scottish Labour MP commits suicide.I wonder why?It is utterly hypocritical of any political group to associate a question of electoral reform (or not) on party lines.’How low will the YES campaign stoop,this poor man was harassed by his own political ‘friends’ into killing himself.

  • http://twitter.com/christopherward/status/40152146045308928 Chris Ward

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW

  • http://twitter.com/njw3000/status/40152505971249152 Nigel Woodcock

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/eYXyr5

  • Eamon

    This is a disgusting advert. I came into contact with Matthew Elliot of the No Campaign and the Tory front organisation the Tax Payers Alliance for the first time at the No2AV debate in Birmingham and this awful advert sums up the man. Let’s re-double efforts to get a Yes Vote on May 5th and show people are above Elliot’s cynical and hypocritical campaign.

  • http://twitter.com/ilegalbytes/status/40162434647998464 Patrick Torsney

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW

  • http://twitter.com/incurablehippie/status/40164280586354688 Philippa

    Awful! RT @SallyBercow RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW <<totally disingenuous poster.

  • http://twitter.com/themardyarse/status/40165393557495808 Mardy Arse

    I'm a bit #MehToAV but this #NoToAV poster is so wrong that I feel like voting #YesToAV just cos of it! http://bit.ly/ftvBEW

  • http://twitter.com/opinionationy/status/40166752281296896 opinionationy

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW

  • http://twitter.com/laurencedurnan/status/40166789098901504 Laurence Durnan

    This is absolutely disgusting from the No to AV campaign. What on earth next? http://bit.ly/efIigT (from @wdjstraw)

  • http://twitter.com/fester500/status/40168869083488256 fester500

    RT @incurablehippie: Awful! RT @SallyBercow RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW << …

  • http://twitter.com/steve_medley/status/40169761019138048 steve medley

    The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/eYXyr5 Some hypocrisy, but nothing less than what I'd expect

  • Karen

    http://www.asa.org.uk/Complaints/How-to-complain.aspx

    if you want to complain, easy to do online.

  • http://twitter.com/darrylcroft/status/40171934327128064 Darryl Croft

    RT @LaurenceDurnan: This is absolutely disgusting from the No to AV campaign. What on earth next? http://bit.ly/efIigT (from @wdjstraw)

  • http://twitter.com/the_dazzle/status/40171951196606464 the_dazzle

    RT @LaurenceDurnan: This is absolutely disgusting from the No to AV campaign. What on earth next? http://bit.ly/efIigT (from @wdjstraw)

  • http://twitter.com/amy_potter/status/40174451307839488 Amy Potter

    RT @joshjhpotter http://bit.ly/hOPKG4 absolutely shameful bit of politics by the No to AV camp… should be ashamed of themselves

  • http://twitter.com/lisybabe/status/40175810983903232 Lisa E

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW

  • http://twitter.com/andrewtipler/status/40177383315210240 Andrew Tipler

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW

  • http://twitter.com/seeitcoming/status/40181343631441920 Carl van Tonder

    @johnprescott Are you proud of this? http://ur1.ca/3bbjd #No2AV says "voting #Yes2AV will kill babies".

  • http://twitter.com/michellelgraham/status/40183452968030208 Michelle Graham

    RT @LaurenceDurnan: This is absolutely disgusting from the No to AV campaign. What on earth next? http://bit.ly/efIigT (from @wdjstraw)

  • Jerome

    I think the ad has a good point. We don’t want the rich taking NHS money again!

  • http://paperbackrioter.wordpress.com/2011/02/22/an-a-z-of-rubbish-arguments-from-no2av/ An A-Z of rubbish arguments from No2AV « Paperback Rioter

    [...] a disgusting and misleading ad, as Left Foot Forward rightly points out. There’s another good blog by Stephen Baxter at the New Statesman [...]

  • http://twitter.com/fairervotesedin/status/40190381647863808 FairerVotesEdinburgh

    RT @seeitcoming: @johnprescott Are you proud of this? http://ur1.ca/3bbjd #No2AV says "voting #Yes2AV will kill babies".

  • Richard

    And my pestering has worked and LabourList has finally taken the ads down from its site.

  • http://yestofairervotes.wordpress.com/2011/02/22/an-a-z-of-rubbish-arguments-from-no2av/ An A-Z of rubbish arguments from No2AV | Yes to Fairer Votes – Birmingham

    [...] a disgusting and misleading ad, as Left Foot Forward rightly points out. There’s another good blog by Stephen Baxter at the New Statesman [...]

  • http://twitter.com/aledr/status/40198073540030464 Aled Jones

    Only just seen this and think they might just be taking it a tad too far! it's an voting referendum not the apocalypse! http://bit.ly/hOPKG4

  • http://twitter.com/greenerlondon/status/40202504419557376 Greener London

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/eYXyr5

  • http://twitter.com/jimpreece/status/40204331286269952 James Preece

    RT @GreenerLondon: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/eYXyr5

  • http://www.facebook.com/peoplevsparliament M. B.

    Make your own absolutely ridiculous No2AV slogan! http://av.argh.tc/o-matic/

  • Anon E Mouse

    Will – This is an excellent article let down by your partisan statements regarding the ‘No’ campaign being run by the Tories.

    You have devalued valid criticism by silly tribalism and in view of your dad working so well with David Davis I feel you need to get a grip.

    There are plenty of Labour supporters against AV and plenty of Tories in favour. Your article should reflect that…

  • http://twitter.com/willbr/status/40308807280103424 William

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW

  • http://twitter.com/eddyanderson/status/40318030370177024 Eddy Anderson

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/eYXyr5

  • http://twitter.com/castortroy6/status/40319158721708032 Chris McCarthy

    RT @eddyanderson: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/eYXyr5

  • http://politicalscrapbook.net/2011/02/just-say-argh-to-av/ Just say “Argh” to AV! | Political Scrapbook

    [...] neutral throughout the electoral reform campaign, but with No to AV’s garish and somewhat overblown campaign already ripening for satire, it would be wholly wrong of us not to guide you towards the [...]

  • http://twitter.com/benedictsouthwo/status/40343280868798464 benedictsouthwo

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/eYXyr5

  • http://twitter.com/minifig/status/40344231071453184 thom b

    Only just seen the AV 'No' campaign's 'Vote against AV or the Baby gets it' ad. Wow: http://t.co/JxpfsTd

  • http://twitter.com/gjonesofficial/status/40353362641690624 Gareth Jones

    http://tinyurl.com/4w9egst The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low

  • http://twitter.com/stroodlights/status/40354100642197504 Andrew Day

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/eYXyr5

  • http://twitter.com/jossgarman/status/40359141436424192 Joss Garman

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/eYXyr5

  • http://liberalconspiracy.org/2011/02/23/why-ive-reported-the-no2av-baby-advert-to-the-asa/ Why I’ve reported the No2AV baby advert to the ASA | Liberal Conspiracy

    [...] to Sunder Katwala and Will Straw for the points.) [...]

  • http://twitter.com/dominictristram/status/40360957494571008 Dominic Tristram

    RT @jossgarman: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/eYXyr5

  • http://twitter.com/georgemonbiot/status/40370611998048256 georgemonbiot

    RT @jossgarman: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/eYXyr5

  • http://twitter.com/petefrasermusic/status/40371051506434048 Pete Fraser

    Whatever your views on AV, this is pretty horrible RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/eYXyr5

  • http://twitter.com/blu0mu/status/40371056652976130 blu0mu

    RT @jossgarman: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/eYXyr5

  • http://twitter.com/juliahines/status/40371573722451968 Julia Hines

    RT @jossgarman: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/eYXyr5

  • http://twitter.com/rolllikeme/status/40371619092381696 Backers

    RT @jossgarman: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/eYXyr5

  • http://twitter.com/childs_play/status/40372252721549312 Swamp Thang

    RT @jossgarman: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/eYXyr5

  • http://www.stephenwigmore.blogspot.com Stephen W

    I didn’t realise having Margaret Beckett as your president made your campaign Tory-led. Precisely when did she become a Tory out of interest? Or are you knee deep in your own partisan rhetoric again?

  • http://twitter.com/datkinson4pc/status/40373025886969856 David Atkinson

    RT @jossgarman: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/eYXyr5

  • http://twitter.com/ciphergoth/status/40373046988636160 Paul Crowley

    The people who brought you the cuts now exploit opposition to them to keep the system that brought them to power http://j.mp/hOPKG4 #yes2av

  • http://twitter.com/kapowaz/status/40374705382756352 Ben Darlow

    RT @jossgarman: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/eYXyr5

  • http://blog.philruse.com Phil Ruse

    It’s a horrible ad., totally unnecessary and does the “No” campaign no credit. It’s a shame therefore that you blunt your own criticism with party-political nonsense.

  • Rob L

    It gets worse. Google “no2av” and you get their website, http://www.no2av.org. Google “yes2av” and you find the website http://www.yes2av.net, which is a mock website set up by the No-to-AV lot, calling anyone who even considers the opposing view an “ass”.
    I don’t know about anyone else, but when voting in referenda I like to consider all options before weighing up which one I believe is best. I don’t appreciate being called an “ass” for taking this view.
    I didn’t think such dirty tricks were allowed in a modern democracy.

  • http://twitter.com/luchairpoet/status/40385655435571201 Elizabeth Rimmer

    the cheap shot – The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low | Left Foot Forward: http://bit.ly/i0FDqs via @addthis

  • http://twitter.com/greyingmantis/status/40385960780898304 greyingmantis

    RT @jossgarman: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/eYXyr5

  • http://twitter.com/andybold/status/40386584293416960 Andy Bold

    The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/h9AOrx

  • http://twitter.com/nickbloke/status/40389146388344832 Nick H.

    RT @jossgarman: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/eYXyr5

  • http://twitter.com/rtaylorhove/status/40390772792635392 rtaylorhove

    RT @gjonesofficial: http://tinyurl.com/4w9egst The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low

  • http://twitter.com/yanniealice/status/40391797742112768 Alice Alt

    RT @jossgarman: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/eYXyr5

  • http://twitter.com/chrismelv/status/40462850686324736 chrismelv

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW

  • http://twitter.com/rockythehamster/status/40499576209145856 Rocky Hamster

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/eYXyr5

  • http://twitter.com/hjlownsbrough/status/40507065260711936 hjlownsbrough

    You know what we haven't seen enough of in the #AV debate so far? Life-threateningly ill children: http://bit.ly/eYXyr5 #yes2AV

  • http://twitter.com/somerstowngreen/status/40511200110313472 Matty Mitford

    Both Yes and No to AV Campaigns are both SO rubbish and unedifying, but this really is a new low. http://bit.ly/hOPKG4

  • http://twitter.com/milkcarton/status/40715326572199936 Nick Barton

    'Keep FPTP or we kill the baby'? http://bit.ly/eYXyr5 Stay classy, No to AV campaign etc. etc.

  • http://twitter.com/idde_ukl/status/40725168200491008 Joe Henthorn
  • Heighho

    The baby photo is a lazily reused stock pic from a few years ago. Read this:

    http://iamjamesward.wordpress.com/2011/02/24/baby-preemie/

  • Mr. Sensible

    Whilst I will be voting no, I find it interesting that the no campaign is suddenly concerned about public services.

  • http://twitter.com/guilli/status/40748650300710912 Guilliana Castle

    Really?! Such irrisponsible advertising @leftfootfwd NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/eYXyr5

  • http://twitter.com/d1s0bey/status/40757423035645952 Martin Crozier

    RT @OtherTPA: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: #NO2AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/ftvBEW < straight out of the TPA campaign book

  • http://yestofairervotes.wordpress.com/2011/02/24/the-truth-behind-the-advert/ The Truth Behind the Advert | Yes to Fairer Votes – Birmingham

    [...] was the person who took the photo which has now appeared on Left Foot Forward, the New Statesman and the Independent (I would have hoovered had I know it would be used so [...]

  • http://www.leftfootforward.org/2011/02/matthew-elliott-taxpayers-alliance-sheffield-forgemasters-true-views/ What the No2AV director really thinks of Forgemasters | Left Foot Forward

    [...] the posters of an ill baby - now downgraded to merely a crying baby – and a frontline soldier, the No2AV campaign have [...]

  • http://twitter.com/andyfenlon/status/40902182777786368 Andrew Fenlon

    RT @Tweet4Labour: She needs a new cardiac facility NOT for a former TPA hack making a sick political points http://is.gd/sNgu8s #no2av # …

  • http://www.krishnacardiac.com/ Cardiac Care Centre

    I think ad has good information…

  • http://twitter.com/katyking2/status/41137384536023040 Katy King

    NO-to-AV campaign stoops to new low http://bit.ly/eYXyr5 @leftfootfwd

  • http://www.leftfootforward.org/2011/02/look-left-25-02-11/ Look Left – Tripoli tyrant hangs on – but for how long? | Left Foot Forward

    [...] Tuesday, Will Straw reported on Left Foot Forward: “Judging by the reaction on twitter, the Tory-led NO to AV [...]

  • http://twitter.com/renekinzett/status/41282277900025856 René Kinzett

    RT @AndrewIMarshall: RT @lewis_baston: Deplorable #no2AV ads http://bit.ly/ftvBEW – can this unedifying campaign get any worse? <quit …

  • http://twitter.com/snevinoj/status/41465820999589888 Jon Ivens

    The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low | Left Foot Forward: http://bit.ly/i0FDqs #Yes2AV

  • http://twitter.com/jessica_asato/status/41657650114609152 Jessica Asato

    @MikeEakins If you are looking for cheap political points, see this: http://bit.ly/fSP8v1

  • http://twitter.com/britishcitizen/status/42288358231252992 British Citizen

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/eYXyr5

  • David Nicholl

    The people in government are in mature youngsters have no idea about running the country and do not do as the people want they are just not taking any notice of the us

  • http://www.affordable-leather.co.uk/ Graham Marsden

    @RobL

    I don’t know if you can edit your post, but if so, please can you remove the phony “yes2av” link because it’s only helping promote that site and push it up the rankings.

    The more people who support the Yes to the Alternative Vote System and link to http://yes2av.wordpress.com/ for yes2av the better the chance of that other link being knocked off the top place.

  • http://twitter.com/sovayb/status/42299586802495488 Sovay Berriman

    http://tinyurl.com/4w9egst F.F.Sake what is going on in some ad/spin heads????

  • http://twitter.com/davedufeu/status/42301999642972161 Dave du Feu

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/eYXyr5

  • http://twitter.com/nick_sutton22/status/42339187915096064 Nick Sutton

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/eYXyr5

  • http://twitter.com/stalbansyes/status/42348050403954688 stalbansyes

    RT @nick_sutton22: RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/eYXyr5

  • http://twitter.com/angelaraffle/status/42501874586361856 angelaraffle

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/eYXyr5

  • A Holland

    Well things have been terrible under two party thinking for many years, which is not really democracy in action, its winner takes all in action. I am not convinced or fully educated about AV, but if the Tories oppose it this much, and this crudely, insulting our intelligence, then their disgraceful argument is now going to make me vote against them just because I want to see them squirm. If they dont want it, I do. Their priority along with Labour is to keep the 2 party system alive, they prefer a 50/50 chance of taking all rather than a smaller chance of having a proportional influence in how our country is run. Its sad how many people focus on the differences between political parties; we mostly want and NEED the same things whatever we believe in. Don’t let them divide us.

  • Charlie

    Would be interesting to know exactly how much was spent on that advert…

  • Rob L

    @Graham Marsden, apologies, I cannot edit posts. I think Google’s PageRank is complex enough that it doesn’t merely rely on hits in order to compute relevance though, so I don’t think I’ll have caused any damage here. Interesting point though, and thanks for pointing me to the genuine site too.
    @Cardiac Care Centre, the ad contains incorrect information – the cost stated is incorrect. Of the £250m “cost”, £130m is for machines that aren’t needed and won’t be bought. That is a fabrication. And £82m is for the referendum itself. Even if you choose not to believe these facts, ask yourself this – would a Government who has just gone so far out of its way to cut spending in these areas really spend this money on the NHS if this money was saved?
    We don’t have a budget crisis. We have a not appropriately taxing people who can afford it crisis. And I absolutely will not give up my right to vote for what I believe in just because it has a price tag, and especially when that price is less than the average bank boss’s bonus.
    We want more cardiac facilities, and that’s why we need to vote yes – because then our votes will count for more when we go to the polls in an attempt to elect a government who actually value our NHS. Vote no, and you’re only helping the people who will take these cardiac unites away from you.

  • http://asabove Alec Metcalfe

    We want our MP’s elected by a majority of voters not less than 20% less than 20%.

  • http://twitter.com/jon_w_h/status/43072393329127424 Jonathan Holt

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://bit.ly/eYXyr5

  • Clive Frost

    I think maybe party politics are clouding the issue here. Look at; http://www.av2011.co.uk/NewsERS.html

    We are all crying out for electoral reform, but AV most definitely is not it.

  • http://taLKTALKWEBMAIL beverly gannon

    no more CUTS , more fairer system for everybody needed.

  • http://www.leftfootforward.org/2011/05/blunkett-admits-av-cost-claims-were-made-up/ Blunkett admits AV cost claims were “made up” | Left Foot Forward

    [...] blog has detailed the lies and deceit of the No campaign for months. On the eve of the AV referendum, leading No campaigner [...]

  • http://www.leftfootforward.org/2011/05/using-no2avs-cant-on-public-spending-to-campaign-against-cuts/ Using No2AV’s cant on public spending to campaign against cuts | Left Foot Forward

    [...] with a claim that the Alternative Vote system would cost £250 million alongside a picture of a baby, arguing the money would be better spent on maternity units. Another poster carried the picture of [...]

  • http://www.leftfootforward.org/2011/12/look-left-23-12-11/ Look Left – Look back at the year | Left Foot Forward

    [...] The nasty campaign: The No2AV campaign stoops to a new low, Will Straw, February [...]

  • http://twitter.com/extraditiongame/status/152751636744384514 Extradition Game

    #LFFMostRead2011: #4: The nasty campaign: The No2AV campaign stoops to a new low: http://t.co/CSPdQl5J by @wdjstraw, February 22nd

  • http://twitter.com/theonlytait/status/152752299188555777 Adam Tait

    RT @leftfootfwd: The nasty campaign: NO-to-AV stoops to new low http://t.co/FHjFmUHI How low will they stoop??

  • http://twitter.com/tonyjoneslab/status/152758233386323968 Tony Jones

    #LFFMostRead2011: #4: The nasty campaign: The No2AV campaign stoops to a new low: http://t.co/CSPdQl5J by @wdjstraw, February 22nd