Citizenship
Citizenship Survey: April 2008 - March 2009, England
The latest national statistics from the Citizenship Survey produced by Communities and Local Government were released on Thursday 16 July. Statistics from the Citizenship Survey for England and Wales include data covering a range of issues including community cohesion, empowerment, values, racial and religous prejudice and discrimination, volunteering and charitable giving.
Joint Committee on Human Rights Publish Report on a Bill of Rights
Today the Joint Committee on Human Rights released a report on a proposed Bill of Rights for Britain. “We are of the view that the United Kingdom should adopt a Bill of Rights and Freedoms. Our work over the last few years has demonstrated that there are many groups in society, such as older people and [...]
Michael Wills MP visits Bristol
On June 30 Michael Wills MP hosted an event at the Vassell Centre to explore some of the emerging findings of the work we are taking forward under the Governance of Britain. Participants discusssed four topics - a proposed Statement of Values, community engagement, a proposed Bill of Rights and Responsibilities, and barriers to voting. Read the [...]
Home Office publish government response to ‘New Citizenship’ Consultation
The Home Office released the Government’s response to the Consultation Paper “The Path to Citizenship: next steps in reforming the immigration system” on 15 July. Access the report here
Government publishes discussion paper on Citizen Engagement
Today the Government published a discussion paper that seeks comment on proposals which focus on the use of innovative engagement methods by national government titled ‘A National Framework for Greater Citizen Engagement’ In a written statement Michael Wills MP, Minister of State, Ministry of Justice said: “The Government recognises that the demands on our democracy are evolving. [...]
Communities and Local Government publish White Paper on local empowerment
Today Hazel Blairs MP, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, launched Communities in Control: real people, real power, a white paper on empowerment which aims to pass power into the hands of local commmunities, giving real control over local decisions to a wider pool of active citizens. She said: “The White Paper has two broad [...]
The process continues - A discussion forum
In continuing the process of online engagement, Michael Wills MP introduces the Governance of Britain website. We will run discussions on different aspects of the Governance programme and the outcomes from discussions will be analysed. Some will contribute directly to ongoing discussions and engagement processes, others will help to inform future discussion topics. They will also make [...]
Governance of Britain one year on
Today the Justice Secretary Jack Straw marked the anniversary of the Governance of Britain with a statement to the House of Commons in which he set out the progress made in meeting the objectives of the programme. He said that in July last year the Prime Minister outlined steps toward further constitutional reform to renew our democracy, building a [...]
House of Lords Debate on Britishness
Lord Taylor of Warwick has called a debate on ”the concept of Britishness in the context of the cultural, historical and ethical tradition of the peoples of these islands” which will take place on Thursday 19 June in the House of Lords. It’s expected to take place shortly after 11am and you will be able to watch [...]
Youth Citizenship Commission - Terms of Reference and Contact Details
The Governance of Britain Green Paper, published in July 2007, highlighted the need for the Government to engage with young people and encourage them to play an active part in British society. The Youth Citizenship Commission was set up to examine ways of developing young people’s understanding of citizenship and increase their participation in politics. On 29 [...]