Today also marks the introduction of our first online discussion topicwhich follows on from the publication and presentation of the discussion paper, ‘A National Framework for Greater Citizen Engagement’ to Parliament by the Justice Minister. This discussion will last for about two weeks, but we are going to divide this into themes: talking about levels of current engagment, discussion on deliberative engagement, and discussion on the proposed mechanisms.

Please do take part, but first have a look at the site policies and user rules [pdf 31.5kb]

Off-site Discussions

If you want to hold a discusssion with an exisiting or new group, please do feel free. It would be useful if your feedback could address the main questions set out in the discussion document:

• the government invites views on the criteria for the use of the mechanisms and on what other criteria should be added - these are set out on page 12.

• the government invites views on the proposals for citizens’ summits and citizens’ juries - including what sorts of issues would benefit from the use of these mechanisms and what should be included in any assessment criteria.

Please feedback your groups’ responses to framework@justice.gsi.gov.uk by 1 October 2008

Topic 2 - Deliberative Engagement 

 Thanks for comments so far on current engagement. We’d like to move on to a discussion on deliberative engagement.

The framework is based on a desire to increase engagement, and particularly - through summits and juries - deliberative engagement.

Rather than hold individual conversations (one-to-one) between the government and a member of the public, the Government is keen to explore more deliberative techniques where members of the public come together with government to discuss, exchange views and think through issues together.

It would be useful to get your views on such an approach, when it might be more applicable, the implications of it etc. 

Topic 1 - Current Engagement

Engagement with traditional political structures is reducing or at least changing. Can we start by getting an understanding of the current levels and types of engagement you are involved in or know of? The following might help.

• Are you active in local and / or national politics?
• If so, in what ways?
• Would you like to be more active in local and / or national politics?
• What’s preventing you?
• Are there issues of national policy on which you would like more of a say?

He said that in July last year the Prime Minister outlined steps toward further constitutional reform to renew our democracy, building a new relationship between citizens and government and ensuring that the rights of individuals are respected.

You can read the minister’s statement and access the report here

Any comments on the Draft Bill or White Paper should be submitted by 18 July to governance@justice.gsi.gov.uk or to the address on our Contacts page.

Should cultural institutions promote shared values and a common national identity?

Further details of the speech can be found here.