For Labour, democratic renewal is intended to forge a new relationship between government and citizen, so that Britain is better equipped to respond to the challenges that lie ahead. We want to create a society where power is held accountable and where individuals are able to maximise control over their own lives. That core objective is what has guided the substantial programme of constitutional change which we have undertaken since 1997.
Key Achievements
- Devolution in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, an elected Mayor and Assembly for London and directly-elected mayors for those cities that want them.
- Modernised local government, introducing a clearer and more transparent decision making process, allowing local councillors to spend more time leading their community.
- Greater freedom for local authorities through additional resources and local public service agreements.
- Substantial reform of the House of Lords including the removal of the vast majority of hereditary peers, as the precursor to final, lasting reform of the second chamber.
- Increased rights for individual citizens through the Human Rights and Freedom of Information Acts.
Winning the fight for Britain's future:
These have been significant and radical reforms, but we aim to go further. We want to strengthen Parliament vis a vis the executive, and put more power in the hands of individual citizens so that they can influence the decisions which affect themselves, their families and local communities. Our plans include:
- Limiting, or surrendering to Parliament, prerogative powers previously held by the executive, including: the power to send troops to war; the way treaties are ratified; judicial appointments, parliamentary oversight of the intelligence services; the power to dissolve and recall Parliament; and to place the Civil Service on a statutory basis by enshrining its core values in law;
- A Bill of Rights and Responsibilities which would build on the Human Rights Act so that our system meets the needs and expectations of the next century;
- Dialogue with the public to develop an inclusive view of our shared values and what it means to be British;
- For the House of Lords, we will develop reforms for a wholly elected second chamber and will explore how the existing powers of the chamber should apply to the reformed chamber;
- A new Supreme Court to create a highly visible symbol of judicial authority, one which is accessible to the public.