The Democracy Trust

News

14/7/11 - FOR REFERENCE: Documents posted to all MPs

For reference purposes/consultation email replies please find links below to the three documents posted to all MPs:

Letter

MP Proposed Code/Covenant

Democratic Blueprint Survey

8/7/11 - Letter to MPs - 1st July 2011

Dear Member

Covenant/Democratic Blueprint Consultation:

We are contacting all MPs to seek participation/feedback and support on proposals to further develop the UK democratic and political system as a world-class benchmark/model. The objective, hopefully with your support is to promote democratic renewal with new initiatives based on a defined framework and developed ‘Investor In Democracy’ standards. The aim is to facilitate greater participation by the electorate in democracy and to promote enhanced political standards, service and outcomes. This initiative would be supported by a proposed covenant* (enclosed) for MPs, Councillors etc. Although the current Westminster MP code is currently under review we believe that a separate citizen focused code or covenant will add value to this process and should be considered. *(As code presented to all 659 MPs in 2001 by the Democracy Trust).
We would appreciate your participation in particular by providing endorsement and/or opinions regarding the citizen focused code/covenant. In respect of Consensus Democracy Blueprint/democratic development (Part Two) your opinions on the proposals would be greatly appreciated. (Please return completed documents to above address or reply by email). The survey feedback will be collated and summarised/progressed with the overall results published. However any specific feed-back/comments made will not be attributed to individual MPs by name and remain as general feedback. However those MPs who endorse the MP covenant/code will effectively be making public a commitment to their constituents and stakeholders in democracy.

With thanks

Yours sincerely





26/6/11 - Democratic Blueprint Presented to MPs this week

The Democracy Trust is presenting a consultation request to all 649 MPs this week (w/c 26/6/2011) seeking their contribution, support/endorsement and feedback on innovative proposals for UK democracy. The aim is to present a citizen focussed framework of democratic renewal as a world-class standard in political excellence.

This standard can also provide a basis for consideration by existing democracies globally or for those building democratic and political systems in emerging democracies. The aim is to develop a proactive, progressive approach for the UK, which utilises digital technology, promotes ongoing democratic/political evaluation and enhanced participation by citizens.

The proposed Democratic Blueprint is in two parts, one part being the existing Democracy Trust citizen focussed code of conduct/covenant for MPs. The second part being a range of proposals designed to enhance political accountability, standards and outcomes for the common good:

PART TWO:
Consensus Democracy Blueprint: MP Consultation:

1. Consensus Objectives: Would you support the objective of a new and enhanced democratic and political model designed by/endorsed by the people, totally accountable to the people, which seeks to deliver positive outcomes for all mankind and planet Earth ?.

2. Consensus Vision: Would you support the vision of: Political and democratic renewal in the UK as a world-class benchmark and model for existing and emerging democracies world-wide ?.

3. Consensus Principles: Would you consider/review each component in the principles below ?. (As first draft to be progressed by citizens with politicians, which specifies key benchmark principles of purpose and the commitment to democratic excellence:)

3.1 Politics is the management of finite resources to meet the infinite needs of people and planet.

3.2 Politics is the power entrusted to the few to work solely for the common good of the many.

3.3 Politics should provide the foundation to make a positive difference to the lives of others.

3.4 Politics is the system that seeks to deliver the democratic will of the people.

3.5 Political structures must be a benchmark for world-class democratic excellence and standards.

3.6 Overall political direction and policy-making should be conducted within a framework that puts citizens first before party or power aspirations.

4. Consensus Framework: Do you agree that consensus politics should be based on the following five linked key components:

4.1 Commitment: to putting people first above political party/personal advancement to manage resources and work for the common good of people represented, all mankind and planet Earth.

4.2 Policy development: formulated wherever possible in consultation with/reflecting the democratic will of the people.

4.3 Planning: to ensure in a cost effective and timely way that those agreed policies are translated into plans that are costed, practical and achievable.

4.4 Action: to implement those policies within an agreed timeframe and cost.

4.5 Evaluation*: of elected representatives/their policies and performance by the people at periodic intervals.*(eg: annually as an appraisal, using such methods as public forums, online consultations/surveys etc and annual reviews by existing and developing digital technology, web-voting etc).

5. Consensus Strategy: Which of the following strategy developments would you support:

5.1 Consultation: With the electorate/political stakeholders in democracy on Consensus aims. (Leading to eventual development of the Consensus vision, framework and principles by the electorate, political parties/movements and independents).

5.2 Consensus Think Tank: A citizen led think-tank established. An overarching centre/resource for political and democratic development.

5.3 IPADE: A development resource to build skills and high standards for current and future representatives of the people: (The Institute of Political and Democratic Excellence).

5.4 Investor In Democracy Standard: An agreed vision, a framework and citizen focussed standard for individuals seeking public office/serving as representatives of the people.

5.5 MP Code Of Conduct/Covenant with the people: A professional service standard – citizen originated for MPs/Representatives etc to endorse/be evaluated on. This defines the electorate expectations of the standards and service required.

5.6 Shadow Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards: Independent from the political establishment/elected and supported by stakeholders in democracy.

5.7. An agreed/published MP Description/service level expectations. Backed with annual reviews/appraisals by constituent input: eg web voting/digital democracy.

5.8 The People’s Vote: To support above - a web-site facility for the electorate to present initiatives, appraise MPs/Representative etc and vote by email/text on local/regional/national/international issues and policies.

26/6/11 - Consultation with Councillors underway this week on Covenant with the people.


This week also sees the start of a consultation process with elected Councillors to develop an electorate focussed code or covenant to the people, which will form a basis for a new approach in democratic development for the common good. Contributions to this draft proposal and development will be greatly appreciated from those serving in elected roles in matters of local government.


(DRAFT) INVESTOR IN DEMOCRACY COVENANT WITH THE PEOPLE:

Prospective/Elected Councillor:

As a holder or prospective holder of public office I promise to support, promote and uphold at all times the following standards:

1. To act solely in the public interest as specified within the seven principles of public life* in both spirit and compliance: Selflessness, Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability, Openness, Honesty and Leadership. *(The Nolan/Neill Committee recommendations – UK House Of Commons on standards In Public Life)
2. To comply with in terms of accuracy, compliance, timeliness and without mis-interpretation all current standards and codes of conduct including register of interests and statutory requirements of the appropriate public office.
3. To preserve existing democratic processes and promote development of enhanced democratic processes in all aspects of public life and politics in particular. (As an Investor In Democracy)
4. To support the rights and democratic will of the people I serve, unswayed by inappropriate commercial, career or political pressures.
5. To protect and uphold the principles of rule of law, respect for all people, valuing and protecting human rights, liberty, freedom of expression and democracy.
6. To respect and uphold the principles of equal opportunity in all matters of public office and for all the people served by me.
7. To respect and uphold appropriate protection of the countryside and environment in the area I serve and the world in general.
8. Not to seek or accept personal financial benefit or gifts in kind other than those, which are intended to be passed over in their entirety to the benefit of the broader community with no gain to myself, family, or friends.
9. To provide regular and open access to the people I serve to make full use of my services and to hold me to account. This could be in the form of regular and confidential surgeries or public forums to meet the needs of the people served.
10. To uphold the principles of freedom of information and openness at all times and encourage others to scrutinise inappropriate activities of public concern.
11. Be committed to working within an ethical and moral framework in public office to promote and deliver benefits to people both locally and in the wider world community.
12. To carry out my duties in representing all citizens in the area I serve by promoting their best interests and ensuring that local government services provided are effective, optimum value for money and focus on making a positive contribution to the community as a whole.

Name:................................... Signed:...............................…………

Date:..............…………..

Location:………………………………………Contact details:……………………………………………………………….


26/6/11 - National Conference of Democratic Initiatives Proposed


The Democracy Trust attended an event at the ’Democracy Matters’ office in London this week (Friday) and met with stakeholders in citizenship and democracy. On Saturday the Trust attended the ’Compass’ event and conference in central London. Both events were productive with good contacts made. The Trust has suggested to those contacts that perhaps a national conference could be held to bring together such worthy initiatives and resource stakeholders such as Digital Democracy, Unlock Democracy, 38 Degrees, Democracy Matters etc.

The aim would be to establish mutual aims, identify resources available, initiatives planned and work together for enhanced citizenship, democratic enhancement, political renewal. - for the common good of our nation and beyond. (including emerging democracies who seek support.

31/5/11 - Parliaments review of Westminster MP Code

The Parliamentary Commissioner For Standards established a consultation process to review the Westminster originated MP Code of Conduct established by Parliament. A code which clearly did not prevent the MP expense scandal of 2009. The Democracy Trust responded (as below) to the consultation process, which ended the 31st May 2011:

Starts:

The Democracy Trust believes that a MP has a duty to provide/assure high standards of service to all citizens within the electorate as much as it does to Parliament as a democratic institution. The events related to MP expenses/allowance etc that arose in 2009 have shown that the seven principles of public life are a world-class bench-mark but were proven to be ineffective in preventing abuse of the trust placed in some MPs. In the case of MPs as servants of the public what was lacking was accountability, the monitoring of the principles and sanctions clearly spelt/implemented out for breach of the code.

We support a realistic new code of conduct (Based on the seven principles) for MPs in respect of Parliamentary service with effective/appropriate sanctions for breach of that code. MPs have over the last decade or more been very active in legislating for standards/check mechanisms on professionals/services etc. They as legislators should not be detached from the type of standards the rest of society work and live with.

We also believe that citizens are powerless (except at General Elections) to hold to account MPs who are in serious breach of their responsibilities and trust placed in them. Therefore until citizens are afforded the right to recall MPs in breach of codes etc via a by-election/new mandate or otherwise then the following is proposed:

1) A new Parliamentary code of conduct for MPs (with sanctions for breach) managed by independent citizen lead review panel. A code which meets the needs of The House Of Commons, which can be summarised for reference by the electorate. (eg: as Executive summary with full back up information provided as reference)

2) A citizen focussed code or covenant directed at the constituency electorate and endorsed/signed by the MP. As below:(Note: The Democracy Trust Code of Conduct provided)

Ends.

The Commissioner for Standards wrote to the Trust to express thanks for the consultation submission. However the outcome is yet to be completed. In May 2009 both Gordon Brown (Then Prime Minister) and David Cameron promised a new code of conduct for MPs. More than two years later the electorate still await the wheels of Westminster to roll forward.

(Comment: If such a process in the business world planned to take that long to deliver results then surely that business involved would fail to survive)


9/8/10 - CONSENSUS POLITICS INITIATIVE 9/08/2010

The Democracy Trust is consulting with democrats around the UK who share a vision of democracy and politics as it should be - a democracy designed by the many for the common good of the many. Your input is vital so please contribute to this process in developing democratic excellence:

Consensus Democratic Blueprint - Key Components:

1. Consensus Objectives: An agreed vision, a citizen focussed standard and framework for consensus democracy and political development.

It is our belief that our political and democratic system should be based on shared values, high standards, accountability and full citizen participation for common good aims both within our own country and for the rest of the world we share. The electorate and those seeking to serve or who are already serving in public office can assist in those aims by endorsing or supporting the ongoing development of Consensus aims and principles:

2. Consensus Vision:

A democratic and political system designed by the people, totally accountable to the people, which delivers positive outcomes for the common good of individuals, communities, our nation, all mankind and planet Earth.

3. Consensus Framework:

An overarching set of principles for citizens and politicians to support/endorse, which specifies key benchmark statements of purpose and commitment to democratic excellence:

a) Politics must provide the foundation to make a positive difference to the lives of others.
b) Politics is the power entrusted to the few to work solely for the common good of the many.
c) Politics is the vehicle that delivers the democratic will of the people.
d) Political structures must set the benchmark for world-class democratic excellence and standards in public service.
e) Overall political direction and policy making established by all parties and independent candidates can be conducted within the framework of Consensus standards and objectives.
f) Political whipping should be an option decided by people and not the party with elected representatives pursuing the democratic will of the electorate.
4. Consensus Principles:
Consensus politics should be based on five interlinking key principles:

P1: Commitment: to putting people first above political party/personal advancement to manage resources and work for the common good of people represented, all mankind and planet Earth.
P2: Policy development: formulated wherever possible in consultation with/reflecting the democratic will of the people.
P3: Planning: to ensure in a cost effective and timely way that those agreed policies are translated into plans that are practical and achievable.
P4: Action: to implement those policies within an agreed timeframe and cost.
P5: Evaluation: of elected representatives/their policies and performance by the people at periodic intervals, (eg: four year Parliaments) and using such methods as public forums, online consultations/surveys etc and annual reviews by existing and developing digital technology/web-voting etc.

5. Consensus Strategy:

To promote the following developments:

D1. Consultation: With the electorate/political stakeholders in democracy on Consensus aims. Leading to eventual take up of the Consensus vision, framework and principles by the electorate, political parties and independents.

D2. Consensus Think Tank: A citizen led think-tank established. An overarching centre/resource for political and democratic development.

D3. IPADE: A development resource to build skills and high standards for current and future representatives of the people: The Institute of Political & Democratic Excellence.

D4. Investor In Democracy Standard: An agreed vision, a framework and citizen focussed standard for individuals seeking public office/serving as representatives of the people.

D5. Code Of Conduct: A professional service standard for MPs etc to endorse/be evaluated on, which defines the electorate expectations of the standards and service required of the elected representative.

D6. Shadow Parliamentary Commissioner For Standards: independent from the political establishment/elected and supported by Consensus think tank.

D7. An agreed/published MP Job Description/service level expectations backed with annual reviews/appraisals by constituent input/web voting.

D8. The People’s Vote: A web-site facility for the electorate to present initiatives, appraise MPs etc and vote by email/text etc on local/regional/national/international issues and policies.

D9. Constituency Development Plan: with clear objectives/milestones drafted by MP/MP support team in consultation with local stakeholders within first year of the new Parliament.

D10. Four Years Fixed Terms Of Parliament: to allow regular review of MP and Government performance by the electorate.

D11. Recall of MP and by-election: triggered by agreed consensus in the constituency that the MP is not providing the service levels, commitment and standards expected

28/2/10 - City Talk – Interview :

Interviewed on Radio City – Liverpool about The Trust aims and support for Independent MPs.

26/2/10 - Lunch with ex-Leader (2 years) of the Conservative Party.

Ian Duncan Smith MP. He spoke about his ‘mission’ for social justice and came across as a principled politician. The Trust will follow up this contact.

12/2/10 - Politics of the people – Media release:

Independents are mobilising to stand in the general election. Independent MPs, who in a hung Parliament could make all the difference.

11/2/10 - Prospective Independent MPs denied equal opportunities ?.

Email to Equality and Human Rights Commission: Commission ‘unable to give advice’.

646 Prospective Independent MPs are not afforded equal opportunity into employment (As MPs) - as the main party candidates because they are denied media time on national/regional TV and radio in many cases (eg: Party Leaders Q & A) Independents also have difficulty accessing equality in newspapers both local and national.

10/2/10 - Re-invigorating British politics – Lead Letter published in the Daily Telegraph:

See here.

27/1/10 - A question for Tony Blair -Iraq war enquiry – Media release:

Pre-Iraq proposal to Tony Blair ‘passed on’ 19th February 2003. (Sir Richard Branson/Nelson Mandela initiative - background information)

23/1/10 - Independents – Support network workshop Birmingham:

The Trust with Independent MP – Dr Richard Taylor, Ex Independent MP Martin Bell and others was invited to Independent Network meeting in Birmingham to make a presentation on standards of Parliamentary public service, strategy and campaigning for prospective Independent MPs.

30/9/9 - Two page Submission ’too late’ for MP Standards Committee

On 29/9/2009 The Trust submitted the proposed MP code of Conduct and ten other ’Key Democratic Excellence Aims’ in a two page document to the Parliamentary Committee On Standards In Public Life. They were taking evidence and making proposals on MPs allowances and expenses - scheduled for reporting in October 2009.

The Committee’s Business Manager emailed back to inform that the submission was too late to be considered:

’We regret that we will not be able to consider submissions received after Friday 11th September 2009. The Committee is due to publish its final report in October 2009’.

25/9/9 - Independents – Support network London:

The Trust was invited to Independent Network meeting in London to discuss the roll-out of network/support resources. The aim was to assist prospective Independent MPs in adopting high public service standards and ethical/professional campaigning for the 2010 General Election. Ex Independent MP Martin Bell presented his principles of best practise for MPs and the Trust MP Code of conduct was circulated for consideration at a later date.

TV celebrity Esther Rantzen expressed an initial reluctance to adopt/endorse the Trust code – reason given that she ‘would have to continue with her media work if elected as MP’.