Sinn Féin MP Francie Molloy has welcomed today’s findings at the Court of Appeal quashing the Boundary Commission’s report into proposed changes to Westminster constituencies in the north. 

Speaking after this morning’s ruling at the Court of Appeal, the Mid Ulster MP said: 

“I welcome today’s ruling at the Court of Appeal quashing this report from the Boundary Commission. 

“The Court found that the Commission had misapplied the law in relation to its use of the controversial Rule 7 – which would mean that not all votes would carry equal weight. 

“It also found that the Commission failed to give adequate reason for this. 

“The Court also ruled that the Commission did not give equal consideration to all responses to its consultation into the proposed boundary changes and fettered its discretion in considering responses received later in the process, effectively creating a hierarchy of responses. 

“These proposals created considerable anger among nationalists and, if implemented, would have led to thousands being disenfranchised. 

“Today’s ruling quashes these proposals and is a victory for democracy. 

“It also clarifies the role and obligations of any Boundary Commission and ensures that any future proposed changes to the electoral boundaries will have to be fair and transparent.”