House of Commons · Westminster Hall
16 April 2024 · 3 other contributors · 3,911 words
Opened by Debbie Abrahams Lab Oldham East and Saddleworth
Responding minister: Simon Hoare
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Debbie Abrahams raised concerns about citizens’ assemblies and local democracy in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
Ms Abrahams asks the government to support the development of citizens' assemblies as a mechanism for enhancing public engagement and informing policy decisions with evidence-based recommendations. She encourages greater deliberative policymaking involving constituents throughout the year.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Ms Debbie Abrahams is concerned about the growing lack of trust and confidence in politics among the public, particularly younger generations. She cites studies showing that confidence in UK government has fallen to record lows among millennials since 2005, with generation Z having very low confidence across various institutions. Additionally, she highlights a sense of powerlessness and disengagement reported by people over time, and concerns about corruption in politics.
Suggested that politicians often talk too much and do too little, urging them to take responsibility and make decisions rather than abdicating their roles. Challenges the idea that politicians are not citizens. Emphasises that MPs consult their constituents regularly in various daily activities. Questions whether citizens' assemblies can create evidence-based policy effectively.
Congratulated the hon. Lady for bringing forward this debate, and inquired about her awareness of Northern Ireland's citizens' assembly with its three high-level resolutions on social care, change, and strong leadership.
Asked if a few people sitting in a citizens' assembly enhances public involvement, suggesting that the general election is where true public engagement occurs. He also questioned whether recent events affect public perception of democratic processes. The essence of citizens' assemblies is dealing with narrow issues, but the government has to prioritise and make trade-offs. There is an opportunity for the public to decide whether they agree with the direction set by the government.
Government Response
Simon HoareIt is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Ms Vaz, and to reply to the debate ably introduced by the hon. Member for Oldham East and Saddleworth (Debbie Abrahams). The Minister acknowledged the importance of public engagement in politics and highlighted the strengths of our country's vibrant lobbying and democratic political parties. He mentioned that MPs can convene mini citizens' assemblies through advice surgeries and other events, which improve understanding of local issues. However, he did not subscribe to the creation of formal citizens' assemblies, stating that representative democracy as set out by Burke still holds value. The Minister emphasized the need for elected representatives to be accountable through the ballot box and in society with a free press and media. He concluded by advocating for MPs to facilitate more local discussions to empower people and enhance their engagement with political processes.