On 26th April, Intelligence Squared staged a preliminary debate with the motion 'Vote for AV'. 

Arguing for the motion were OurKingdom Co-Editor Anthony Barnett, YouGov President Peter Kellner, and Times columnist David Aaronovitch. 

Arguing against were NOtoAV Chairman Rodney Leach, Conservative MP David Davis and Director of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems Michael Pinto Duschinsky.

Below are the highlights from the debate, chaired by political scientist Vernon Bogdanor.

The opening vote was: for AV 168, against 199, don't knows 112 (a 'no' majority of 31). The closing vote was: for 240, against 258, don't knows, 11 (a 'no' majority of 18).

You can read a brief account of the debate from Anthony Barnett, alongside the draft for his speech, here on OurKingdom.