Jo Swinson calls for constitutional renewal (East Renfrewshire Liberal Democrats)

East Renfrewshire Liberal Democrats <info@eastrenfrewshirelibdems.org.uk>

Jo Swinson calls for constitutional renewal

August 13, 2009 10:42 AM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Jo Swinson MP has called on the Government to set up a Citizens' Convention in order to transform the current political system.

Following her recent "e-consultation" in which East Dunbartonshire residents called for ordinary citizens to have a say in reform of the political system, Jo Swinson challenged the Justice Minister to set up a Citizens' Convention for democratic reform. Whilst the Minister agreed with Jo that it is important to involve the wider public in the policy process, he unfortunately rejected a Citizens' Convention.Jo Swinson MP: East Dunbartonshire

Jo is one of 134 MPs to sign a Parliamentary Motion supporting the Citizens' Convention Bill, which would see a body of one hundred citizens deliberate on democratic reform and submit recommendations to the House of Commons. It is hoped that a Citizen's Convention would provide a forum for ordinary people from a broad range of backgrounds to be permanently involved in political decision making.

Commenting, Jo Swinson said:

"Whilst it is encouraging that the Government agrees on the principle of involving the wider public in politics, it is a shame the Minister stops short of backing a more substantial Citizens' Convention. I believe that ordinary citizens, and not just politicians, should have a say in the way our political system is run, and it is clear from the emails I received from constituents in response to my consultation that they agree.

"Setting up a Citizens' Convention would be a good way of ensuring continual discussion with the public on issues that really matter to people. MPs have a duty to involve the public in the democratic reform that is so desperately needed, and I hope the Government will offer more support for the Citizens' Convention Bill when Parliament returns in the Autumn."

Notes:

The full text of the EDM supporting a Citizens Convention is below:

"That this House is concerned at the current crisis of confidence regarding the political system; maintains that electors and not just politicians should be involved in initiating change; therefore supports the Citizens Convention (Accountability and Ethics) Bill; and believes that this measure should become law expeditiously and so calls for sufficient additional time to be made available in the House to achieve that end."

The video of Jo's Parliamentary Question can be accessed through the following link:

http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debate/?id=2009-07-21a.749.4

A draft bill of the Citizens Convention is given below:

http://www.unlockdemocracy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/citizens-convention-bill.doc

Jo's Submission to the Committee on Standards in Public Life can be accessed here:

http://www.joswinson.org.uk/resources/sites/217.160.173.25-4064151b9ce785.55373887/Jo%27s+Kelly+Review+submission.pdf