All-Party Parliamentary Group on Deliberative Democracy – written evidence (FGU0010)

House of Lords Constitution Committee

Inquiry into the Future Governance of the UK

1. Dear Chair/Baroness Taylor,

2. We very warmly welcome the decision of the Lords Constitution Committee to begin an inquiry on the Future Governance of the UK. We are sure that you are as concerned as we are that such an excellent initiative does not miss the opportunity to go beyond the usual suspects and reaches out to include members of the public in a manageable and organised way.

3. You will no doubt receive considerable evidence from those in the field on how best to do this. For our part as a Parliamentary All-Party Group on Deliberative Democracy-other than offering connections to our extensive lists of experts and practitioners- we would merely urge you from both Houses and all parties to take this opportunity to look at how the use of deliberative democracy can assist the work of the Committee.

4. Specifically, we would bring to your attention and commend to you the use of a Citizens’ Assembly in your inquiry. These have been a way in which the public can interface with difficult issues not on the basis of binary choices and yes/no social media reaction but by thoughtful, considered discussions without prejudice to assist political decisions.

5. We would be grateful if your Committee would look at how this strongly evidenced method might play a serious part in supporting your important inquiry as it progresses.

6. Yours sincerely,

7. Alex Norris MP, Chair of the APPG on Deliberative Democracy

David Davies MP, Former Conservative Secretary of State

Sir Edward Davey MP, Leader, Parliamentary Liberal Democrat Party

Caroline Lucas MP, Leader, Parliamentary Green Party

Cat Smith MP, Spokesperson on Democracy, Labour

Lord George Young

Lord Paul Tyler

Lord David Puttnam

Lord William Wallace

Many other Parliamentarians from across all parties and both Houses have also indicated support.

16/04/2021