‘Tony Benn, was a fierce opponent of proportional representation’

• DR Bruce Lloyd wrote that it was impossible to say what difference a single transferrable vote (STV) would make to a general election, (STV is not perfect but it is an improvement, July 14).

If this is indeed the case (and I don’t question his judgement) then it seems a big ask to require a complete overhaul of the electoral system.

This is particularly true when, as Dr Lloyd says: “My basic answer is that I believe STV is a (small) step in the direction of a more representative democracy.”

Robert Pellegrinetti argues that “the primary role of an MP is to be a lawmaker” (July 14) rather than to represent their constituency.

This is a fundamental error. Most backbench MPs (and indeed, most junior ministers) have next to no role in shaping the laws. They are – in reality – voting fodder for the parties, who troop through the lobbies, voting as instructed by the whips.

Only rarely do MPs influence any law. Their real strength is as direct representatives of the 70,000 or so men and women in their constituency who send them to Parliament. This is why they are listened to by both the government and the executive. Retaining this direct relationship with a (relatively) small area is vital for our democracy.

Richard Kuper argues that the Additional Member System is the way forward (July 14), but this runs into the same problems of knowing who to hold to account.

He points out that the Additional Member System is already used in the Greater London Assembly. Barnet and Camden are represented by Anne Clarke. But who is “our” additional member? I haven’t a clue. How on earth would I approach them with a problem if I don’t know who they are?

Finally, let me point out that Richard Kuper’s mentor, Tony Benn, was a fierce opponent of proportional representation for exactly the same reasons that I am.

As Tony Benn argued in 2007: “With all the defects of our democracy, the reason governments listen to people is because you get your power from the people.

“Being an MP you are in a very unusual position: you are one employee and have 60,000 employers. Every one in your constituency employs you – the bus driver, the street sweeper, the home help, the policeman: they employ you. They can get rid of you, and because they can get rid of you, you have to listen to them!”

How right Tony Benn was! It is for precisely this reason that I will continue to support our electoral system.

MARTIN PLAUT, NW5