Constitutional Reform
Westminster hall debate
Today, there will be a debate in Parliament about a Bill of Rights for the UK.
Government announces plan for constitutional reform
The Prime Minister has today delivered a statement to the House of Commons outlining the Government’s plans for modernising Parliament and democratic renewal. To read the full statement click here The following Ministry of Justice news release sets out further information on the plans to restore trust in the political system.
Why the Youth Citizenship Commission is consulting on lowering the voting age
Young people are becoming increasingly disinterested in formal political processes and are not getting involved in our democracy. For instance, compared with older people, they are less likely to vote, attend political meetings, contact their MPs or join a political party. However, young people do care about the issues that affect their lives and do [...]
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 [...]
Speaker of the House of Commons announces conference
The Speaker of the House of Commons, Rt Hon Michael Martin MP, has announced the convening of a Speaker’s Conference following an invitation from the Prime Minister. The last conference was held in 1977-78, and there were only five such conferences held in the 20th Century. This conference will consider… “..and make recommendations for rectifying, the disparity between the [...]
Cabinet Office publish Government response to counsultation
On 18 July the Goverment published its response to the consultation ‘Limiting pre-release access to statistics’, and will shortly lay the Pre-release Access to Official Statistics Order 2008 before Parliament for its approval. To access the document click here
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
House of Lords Reform White Paper published
The Secretary of State for Justice Jack Straw made a statement today on further reform of the House of Lords in which he announced the publication of a White Paper. ”The White Paper sets out how a wholly or mainly elected second chamber might be created, within a bicameral legislature in which the House of Commons retains [...]
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. [...]