Commission on Political Power Launch
Commission on Political Power launched today
A new high level Commission on Political Power is launched today (Tuesday April 2022) to examine ideas for future reform of the British political system. The Commission is to look at how to make failing British democracy function better, with improvements to political institutions. It will consider the future of the monarchy, the executive, Parliament and how local democracy can be reinforced.
The Commission will publish options for reform and carry out public consultations, engaging with key thinkers and the public.
Baroness D'Souza, former Lords Speaker, as Co-Convenor of the Commission said: "The democratic space around the world is shrinking. Some of the chief characteristics of this include: increased power of the executive, an erosion of traditional accountability mechanisms, and severe restrictions on freedom of speech and dissent."
Frances Crook, former Chief Executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, and Co-Convenor of the Commission said: "The damage done to democracies by lies and and abuse of power must not be long term and there have to be better ways of doing things that are based on probity, honesty and civic engagement."
The Commission meets today for the first time and will be holding a series of consultation meetings and seminars and will draw on the expertise of the organisations and individuals who are providing critiques of our failing democracy.
The Commission is looking for new ideas and will publish a series of papers setting out options for public consultation. It is seeking radical solutions to structural challenges.
The Commission comprises:
Rt Hon Baroness Frances D'Souza CMG, former Lord Speaker
Frances Crook OBE, former Chief Executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform
Graham Allen, Convenor of the Commission on Constitution, Democracy and Rights
Professor Tim Bale, Professor of Politics at Queen Mary University
Dominic Grieve QC PC, former Attorney General
Alexandra Hall Hall, former Ambassador to Georgia
Simon Israel, former Home Affairs correspondent at Channel 4 News
James Kirkup, Director of the Social Market Foundation
Euginia Lolomari, Director of Corporate Affairs, Howard League for Penal Reform
Kevin McGrath OBE, Deputy Lieutenant for Hammersmith and Fulham
Pragna Patel, former Director of Southall Black Sisters
Rory Stewart, former Secretary of State
Polly Toynbee, Guardian social affairs commentator
The research team comprises Hardeep Matharu and Harry Wells
Contact info@commissionpoliticalpower.uk
Website https://commissionpoliticalpower.uk
Frances Crook 07778740653