Deeds not words needed to tackle declining trust in Parliament - 10 Sept, 2003

The Hansard Society today welcomed proposals by Leader of the Commons Peter Hain to open up dialogue between Westminster and the public and called for a serious commitment from Parliament to make itself more accessible and responsive to the public.

Parliament must get serious about bridging the democratic gap between politicians and the public, says the Hansard Society.

Clare Ettinghausen, Director of the Hansard Society, said: "Peter Hain's proposal to take the Modernisation Committee out of Westminster to consult the public around the country is an innovative idea but it's just one side of a two-way process. Parliament as a whole must develop more understanding of the obstacles thrown up by its culture, language and style which can alienate visitors to Westminster and the general public."

The Hansard Society welcomes Peter Hain's interest in innovations such as a Petition's Committee that would allow members of the public to influence the parliamentary agenda. The Hansard Society has called for the setting up of such a committee - similar to that which exists in the Scottish Parliament - and urges Parliament to take steps to implement it.

Clare Ettinghausen added: "There are many lessons which the Westminster Parliament can learn from the new devolved assemblies. I would urge Westminster parliamentarians to look at the way that Parliament appears to the public - the language used, the style of proceedings, the lack of a visitors' centre - and consider how remote and off putting it is.

"The challenge for Parliament is now to carry forward Peter Hain's proposals and demonstrate that it is willing to adapt to 21st century society."

For further information, contact Virginia Gibbons on 020 7955 7723 or 07812 765552 or Clare Ettinghausen on 07940 583 803

Editors' Notes

1. Clare Ettinghausen was responding to an interview with Peter Hain in today's Times
2. The Hansard Society is an independent non-partisan organisation that works to promote effective parliamentary democracy. We have a long record of working closely with Parliament to help it develop as an institution in line with changes in society. The Hansard Society has successfully piloted online consultations with parliamentary committees and government departments, pioneered methods of citizenship education with young people and led the debate on parliamentary reform.