Tiverton and Honiton Liberal Democrats

Power to the People

Liberal Democrats today endorsed a package of political and constitutional reforms designed to engage people with the political system, in their policy paper Power to the People.

The key proposals are to:

• Make Parliament and government more accountable by legislating for an elected House of Lords, introducing 'citizens' juries' and subjecting new Secretaries of State to Select Committee interviews.

• End the auction of influence and access in Westminster by capping political donations and making Special Advisers' activities transparent.

• Introduce fair votes for local government elections in England.

Commenting, Lord Paul Tyler said:

"Power to the People links Liberal Democrat ideals with our practical experience in government, creating a package of measures which are deliverable within the next parliamentary cycle.

"Liberal Democrats are building a stronger economy and a fairer society. Vital to this vision is a state in which government is radically decentralised from London, and where Westminster is open and accountable to the public it serves."