Switch to an accessible version of this website which is easier to read. (requires cookies)

Farron: "Politics must be brought back to the people!"

March 13, 2008 11:15 AM

Tim Farron MP is calling for a Citizens Convention to look at how politics can be brought back to the people. Mr Farron has recently signed a parliamentary motion, EDM 621, calling for the implementation of the Citizens Convention Bill. The bill would directly address public distrust in politics and politicians because the Government as part of the convention would be required to take steps to actively involve those members of society most dissatisfied and disengaged with the current system.

Tim Farron MP said:

"Every day we see more disenfranchised people, kept at distance from a centralising Government in Whitehall. The Liberal Democrats are calling for a new political system, where every voice is heard, not just the meagre percentage of people in 'swing' constituencies. For this to happen, politics must be brought back to the people. The Citizens Convention Bill would start us on the track of achieving this, by giving many people whose voice is not usually heard real political influence. For this reason I am happy to support this Bill, in order to help make Britain fairer and more responsive to the needs of ordinary people."

Ron Bailey, the Campaign Director at Unlock Democracy, the pressure group who are supporting this bill said:

"We are at a crucial juncture in British politics, constitutional reform has been put back on the agenda in a big way, an opportunity exists for us bring into being a democracy in which the interests and voices of ordinary citizens will have greater say and influence. There has been much talk of giving powers to citizens and communities to hold public bodies to account and be involved in the decision-making processes, we must ensure that this becomes a reality - and so start to regenerate interest in politics."

What would you like to do next?

  • Subscribe for updates

    Read updates from this website in your desktop or online news reader

    • On a news reader website

      •  
      •  
      •  

      In a desktop news reader or a website not listed above

      •  
    • Example monthly digest email
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Join our email list

    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Follow the party's activity on...

  • Share this page

    Share this page on another website

    Link to this page

    On websites and printed material:
    timfarron.co.uk/en/article/2008/105175/farron-politics-must-be-brought-back-to-the-people
    In text messages, Twitter, or reading over the phone:
    tf.lib.dm/a54w5

    Email this page to a friend


    • Generate different image
  • Help out or donate

    Help out in your local area

      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image
  • Tell us what you think

    Send us your views

    If you are a resident of the Westmorland and Lonsdale constituency and are writing to discuss any issue that Parliament or government is responsible for, you must provide your home address as MPs are generally only permitted to act on behalf of constituents.

    If you are not a constituent, you do not need to provide your address, but the matters we can deal with are more limited and you may wish to contact your local MP in the first instance.

    • If you choose to join our email list, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us. You do not need to join our email list to complete this form.


    • Generate different image