Only yesterday, I had written a blog posting, arguing that the expenses scandal represented a real opportunity to make far reaching reforms. When I wrote the piece, I had no idea that David Cameron was to make his speech today about giving power to the people.
Mr Cameron's speech makes remarkable reading. He is proposing radical changes that would change our democracy as we now know it.
In summary, a future Conservative Government would hope to introduce:
- Fixed term Parliaments, ending the chance for a Prime Minister to call an election on a wing and a prayer at any time;
- Stronger and more independent Parliamentary Committees;
- Free votes on Legislation as it is being scrutinised;
- The right for citizens to call local and national referenda;
- The ability for citizens to get issues discussed in Parliament, if they get a certain number of signatures;
- Locally elected Police Commissioners;
- Opportunities for parents and voluntary organisations to set up their own schools funded by the taxpayer;
- A requirement for local and national Government to publish expenditure online.
These proposals herald fundamental changes to the political system and the relationship between the state and the citizen. No longer will we have just one opportunity every four or five years to decide how we are governed. Never again will Parliament be neutered by an over bearing Government. See HERE for full details of Cameron's speech. It makes fascinating reading.
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