The interview will go out on 2 programmes, on radio and TV.

• Today in Parliament on Radio 4 on 3 July.
• The Record Review on TV on 3 July (on BBC Parliament and the BBC News channel).

The radio interview will be repeated on the morning of Sat 4th July on Radio 4.  The TV piece will be repeated throughout the week on BBC Parliament and will most likely form part of the Summer “loop” coverage, that will be repeated while Parliament is in recess.

Both Today in Parliament and The Record Review will also go on the BBC iPlayer.   The Radio 4 programme will also be available as a podcast.

On the West Lothian Question they have this to say:

Scottish MPs have the right to participate fully in all Commons business, affecting all parts of the United Kingdom. A feature of asymmetric devolution is therefore that Scottish MPs are unable to vote on matters affecting Scotland that have been devolved to the Scottish Parliament, but are able to vote on the same matters as they affect other parts of the UK - the “West Lothian Question”. (The West Lothian Question affects all of the UK, and is a matter for the UK Parliament, not a matter for the Commission.)

In other words the commission tasked with securing “the position of Scotland within the United Kingdom” takes no view on the voting rights of Scottish MPs in the United Kingdom Parliament.

The words ‘out’ and ‘cop’ spring to mind.

The Final Report can be downloaded here: Serving Scotland Better: Scotland and the United Kingdom in the 21st century (Final Report).

Telegraph: Scottish devolution: Calman report urges greater tax powers for Holyrood
Herald: Calman proposals could be Murphy’s golden moment
Times: Scotland ‘to get sweeping tax powers’ at expense of block grant
Politics.co.uk: Devolve more to Scots, commission says
Sun: We’re still not on full power
BBC: ‘Radical’ Holyrood powers urged

And on this day in 2009 two articles on politics.co.uk manage to celebrate the Magna Carta without any mention of England.

• Groundswell of support for civil liberties on the anniversary of the Magna Carta
• Thank God Britain hates its government

Some parts of Britain hate our government more than others. In the Euro elections Labour secured 20.3% of the vote in Wales and 20.8% of the vote in Scotland, to make them the second most popular party in both Wales and Scotland. But in England Labour won just 15.0% of the vote and finished third behind UKIP. And even though Labour failed to win the largest number of English votes in the last general election, England is still the only part of Britain governed by Labour (except locally where we have had the opportunity to vote them out - Labour have now lost control of every county in England).

My apologies for the above graphic.

UPDATE:

YouGov data reveals that 38% of Scots believe that Gordon Brown is doing well as prime minister. This compares with 19-23% in England and Wales.

In Scotland 27% believe that “Gordon Brown’s continued presence as prime minister is damaging the country”. In England and Wales this figure ranges from 50-56%.

The Sunday Times’ headline misleadingly informs us that “Half of voters say Brown is damaging UK“.  The actual question referred to ‘the country’ not the ‘UK’.  Do Scots have a different idea of what constitutes ‘the country’; does the UK seem in better shape to them; or do they simply look more favourably on their man in Westminster?

The pre-amble in the policy paper (which can be found here), signed by Big Dave himself, reads as follows:

At our Party Conference in Blackpool we set out our vision of the Britain we want to see: a country where people have more opportunity and power over their lives; where families are stronger and society is more responsible; a Britain which is safer and greener.

In the months ahead, we will start to set out in detail the policies that will make a reality of this vision. Building on the work of our Policy Review and led by our shadow ministerial teams, a series of Policy Green Papers will show how the next Conservative Government will lead the long-term change Britain needs.

Our Policy Green Papers will focus on the key areas where we believe radical reform is required. As part of our Responsibility Agenda we will publish plans for welfare reform and strengthening families. Our Security Agenda will include plans for prison reform and tackling climate change. Today, we publish the first Policy Green Paper in our Opportunity Agenda: an action plan for making opportunity more equal in our country by raising school standards and increasing the number of good school places.

Michael Gove and his team have developed a bold strategy for school reform that stands in stark contrast to the top-down centralisation and endless short-term tricks that characterise Labour’s efforts and explain their failure. After all the promises Labour have made and all the money they’ve spent, Britain today is a country where it is harder, not easier, for children to achieve their potential. During Labour’s ten years in office, social mobility has stalled and we have fallen down the international league tables for educational achievement. That is both socially unjust and economically inefficient – an unforgivable betrayal of our children’s future.

This document explains how we will do better, and how our plans for school reform are part of our broader agenda for giving people more opportunity and power over their lives, so that everyone has the chance to make the most of the extraordinary possibilities of the twenty-first century.

Interesting that England isn’t mentioned once in the pre-amble and discounting the footnotes referring to legislation, is mentioned only 3 times in the whole policy paper despite the policy only applying to England.  After years of opposition, the Tories have finally embraced devolution but they’ve yet to embrace England.

I have, of course, emailed the Shadow Secretary of State for English Children, English Schools and English Families, Michael Gove MP, asking if he can provide an explanation but I won’t hold my breath waiting for one given that Toque has been plugging away at the Tories and Gove in particular for some time now over this exact issue.

THE LAST FEW WEEKS HAVE SHOWN US THAT THE PUBLIC REQUIRE – AS AN URGENT IMPERATIVE - HIGHER STANDARDS OF FINANCIAL CONDUCT FROM ALL PEOPLE IN PUBLIC LIFE AND AN END TO THE ABUSES OF THE PAST. THERE IS NO MORE PRESSING TASK FOR THIS PARLIAMENT THAN TO RESPOND TO THIS PUBLIC DEMAND.

I BELIEVE THAT MOST MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT ENTER PUBLIC LIFE SO THEY CAN SERVE THE PUBLIC INTEREST. I BELIEVE ALSO THAT THE VAST MAJORITY OF MPS WORK HARD FOR THEIR CONSTITUENTS AND DEMONSTRATE BY THEIR SERVICE THAT THEY ARE IN POLITICS NOT FOR WHAT THEY CAN GET BUT FOR WHAT THEY CAN GIVE.

BUT ALL OF US HAVE TO HAVE THE HUMILITY TO ACCEPT THAT PUBLIC CONFIDENCE HAS BEEN SHAKEN AND THE BATTERED REPUTATION OF THIS INSTITUTION CANNOT BE REPAIRED WITHOUT FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE.

AT PRECISELY THE MOMENT WHEN THE PUBLIC NEED THEIR POLITICIANS TO BE FOCUSED ON THE ISSUES WHICH AFFECT THEIR LIVES – ON FIGHTING BACK AGAINST RECESSION, AND KEEPING PEOPLE IN THEIR JOBS AND HOMES - THE SUBJECT OF POLITICS ITSELF HAS BECOME THE FOCUS OF OUR POLITICS.

MR SPEAKER WE CANNOT MOVE OUR COUNTRY FORWARD UNLESS WE BREAK WITH THE OLD PRACTICES AND THE OLD WAYS. EACH OF US HAS A PART TO PLAY IN THE HARD TASK OF REGAINING THE COUNTRY’S TRUST - NOT FOR THE SAKE OF OUR DIFFERENT PARTIES, BUT FOR THE SAKE OF OUR COMMON DEMOCRACY.

WITHOUT THIS TRUST THERE CAN BE NO LEGITIMACY — AND WITHOUT LEGITIMACY, NONE OF US CAN DO THE JOB OUR CONSTITUENTS HAVE SENT US HERE TO DO.

MR SPEAKER WE MUST REFLECT ON WHAT HAS HAPPENED, REDRESS THE ABUSES, MAKE SURE THAT NOTHING LIKE THIS CAN EVER HAPPEN AGAIN AND MAKE SURE THE PUBLIC SEE US AS INDIVIDUAL MPS ACCOUNTABLE TO OUR CONSTITUENTS.

IT WILL BE WHAT WE NOW DO, NOT JUST WHAT WE SAY, THAT WILL PROVE WE HAVE LEARNT AND THAT WE HAVE CHANGED.

FIRST, MR SPEAKER, TRANSPARENCY. ALL MPS’ PAST AND FUTURE EXPENSES SHOULD AND WILL BE PUBLISHED ON THE INTERNET.
SECOND HOME CLAIMS SUBMITTED BY MPS FROM ALL SIDES OF THE HOUSE OVER THE LAST 4 YEARS MUST BE SCRUTINISED BY THE INDEPENDENTLY LED PANEL. THIS WILL ENSURE REPAYMENT WHERE IT IS NECESSARY, AND LEAD TO DISCIPLINE WHERE THERE HAVE BEEN INAPPROPRIATE CLAIMS.

AND, MR SPEAKER, I KNOW THAT YOU ARE WORKING TO CONCLUDE THE REASSESSMENT PROCESS URGENTLY. WE MUST NOW PUBLISH THE PAST FOUR YEARS’ RECEIPTS AND START AND CONCLUDE THE SCRUTINY PROCESS AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.

THIS HOUSE HAS ALREADY AGREED TO RESTRICT EXPENSES FURTHER TO THOSE NEEDED FOR PARLIAMENTARY DUTIES ALONE; TO CAP THE COSTS FOR HOUSING; TO REQUIRE ALL SPENDING TO BE RECEIPTED AND TO ENSURE THAT INCOMES FROM SECOND JOBS ARE FULLY ACCOUNTED FOR.

ALL PARTIES HAVE COMMITTED THEMSELVES TO ACCEPT THE FURTHER RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE INDEPENDENT KELLY COMMITTEE ONCE THEY ARE RECEIVED LATER THIS YEAR – PROVIDED THESE PROPOSALS MEET THE TESTS OF INCREASED TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY AND REDUCED COSTS FOR THE TAXPAYER.

BUT MR SPEAKER, THESE STEPS TO SORT OUT THE EXPENSES CRISIS ARE NECESSARY BUT NOT SUFFICIENT. WE NEED TO GO FURTHER.

AT ITS FIRST MEETING YESTERDAY, THE GOVERNMENT’S DEMOCRATIC COUNCIL DECIDED TO BRING FORWARD NEW LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS BEFORE THE SUMMER ADJOURNMENT, ON TWO ISSUES WHICH HAVE BEEN THE SUBJECT OF CONSTRUCTIVE CROSS-PARTY DISCUSSION.

FIRST, WE PROPOSE THAT THE HOUSE OF COMMONS - AND THEN SUBSEQUENTLY THE HOUSE OF LORDS - MOVE FROM THE OLD SYSTEM OF SELF-REGULATION TO INDEPENDENT, STATUTORY REGULATION. THIS WILL MEAN THE IMMEDIATE CREATION OF A NEW PARLIAMENTARY STANDARDS AUTHORITY WITH DELEGATED POWER TO REGULATE THE SYSTEM OF ALLOWANCES. NO MORE CAN WESTMINSTER OPERATE IN WAYS REMINISCENT OF THE LAST CENTURY WHERE THE MEMBERS MAKE UP THE RULES AND OPERATE THEM AMONG THEMSELVES.

THE PROPOSED NEW AUTHORITY WOULD TAKE OVER THE ROLE OF THE FEES OFFICE IN AUTHORISING MEMBERS’ CLAIMS; OVERSEE THE NEW ALLOWANCE SYSTEM – FOLLOWING PROPOSALS FROM THE COMMITTEE ON STANDARDS IN PUBLIC LIFE; MAINTAIN THE REGISTER OF MEMBERS’ INTERESTS; AND DISALLOW CLAIMS, REQUIRE REPAYMENT AND APPLY FIRM AND APPROPRIATE SANCTIONS IN CASES OF FINANCIAL IRREGULARITY. MR SPEAKER, I WELCOME THE CROSS-PARTY SUPPORT FOR THIS PROPOSAL.

I BELIEVE THAT THE WHOLE HOUSE WILL ALSO WISH TO AGREE AS PART OF THIS PROCESS THAT THE NEW REGULATOR SHOULD SCRUTINISE EFFICIENCY AND VALUE FOR MONEY IN PARLIAMENT’S EXPENDITURE. AND ENSURE, AS SUGGESTED TO SIR CHRISTOPHER KELLY, THAT PARLIAMENT COSTS LESS.

SECOND, THE HOUSE WILL BE ASKED TO AGREE A STATUTORY CODE OF CONDUCT FOR ALL MPS, CLARIFYING THEIR ROLE IN RELATION TO THEIR CONSTITUENTS AND PARLIAMENT - DETAILING WHAT THE ELECTORATE CAN EXPECT FROM THEIR MPS AND THE CONSEQUENCES THAT WILL FOLLOW FOR THOSE WHO FAIL TO DELIVER. IT WILL CODIFY MUCH MORE CLEARLY THE DIFFERENT POTENTIAL OFFENCES THAT MUST BE ADDRESSED AND THE OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO SANCTION.

MR SPEAKER, THESE MEASURES WILL BE INCLUDED IN A SHORT SELF-STANDING BILL - ON THE CONDUCT OF MEMBERS IN THE COMMONS - WHICH WILL BE INTRODUCED AND BE DEBATED BEFORE THE SUMMER ADJOURNMENT. MR SPEAKER, THIS WILL ADDRESS THE MOST IMMEDIATE ISSUES ABOUT WHICH WE KNOW THE PUBLIC ARE MOST UPSET – BUT IT WILL ONLY BE THE FIRST STAGE OF OUR LEGISLATION ON CONSTITUTIONAL RENEWAL.

THE CURRENT SYSTEM OF SANCTIONS FOR MISCONDUCT BY MEMBERS IS NOT FIT FOR PURPOSE AND DOES NOT GIVE THE PUBLIC THE CONFIDENCE THEY NEED THAT WRONGDOING WILL BE DEALT WITH IN AN APPROPRIATE WAY. THE LAST PERSON TO BE EXPELLED FROM THIS HOUSE WAS 55 YEARS AGO - IN 1954 - AND IT REMAINS THE CASE THAT MEMBERS CAN BE SENTENCED TO PRISON FOR UP TO A YEAR WITHOUT BEING REQUIRED TO GIVE UP THEIR PARLIAMENTARY SEAT. THE SANCTIONS AVAILABLE AGAINST FINANCIAL MISCONDUCT OR CORRUPTION HAVE NOT BEEN UPDATED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE TIMES.

THIS IS NOT A MODERN AND ACCOUNTABLE SYSTEM THAT PUTS THE INTERESTS OF CONSTITUENTS FIRST. IT NEEDS TO CHANGE.

THERE WILL BE CONSULTATION WITH ALL SIDES OF THE HOUSE TO COME FORWARD WITH NEW PROPOSALS FOR DEALING EFFECTIVELY WITH INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR, INCLUDING POTENTIALLY THE OPTIONS OF EFFECTIVE EXCLUSION AND RECALL FOR GROSS FINANCIAL MISCONDUCT IDENTIFIED BY THE NEW INDEPENDENT REGULATOR AND THE HOUSE ITSELF.

AND THE HOUSE OF LORDS NEEDS TO BE REFORMED TOO. SO FOLLOWING A MEETING OF THE HOUSE COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE OF LORDS, AND AT THEIR REQUEST, I HAVE TODAY WRITTEN TO THE SENIOR SALARIES REVIEW BODY TO ASK THEM TO REVIEW THE SYSTEM OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS TO INCREASE ACCOUNTABILITY, TRANSPARENCY AND REDUCE COST. FOR THE FIRST TIME THERE WILL ALSO BE LEGISLATION FOR NEW DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS FOR THE MISCONDUCT OF PEERS IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS.

WE MUST ALSO TAKE FORWARD URGENT MODERNISATION OF THE PROCEDURES OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS. SO I AM HAPPY TO GIVE THE GOVERNMENT’S SUPPORT TO A PROPOSAL FROM MY RIGHT HONOURABLE FRIEND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION SELECT COMMITTEE – THAT WE WILL WORK WITH A SPECIAL PARLIAMENTARY COMMISSION COMPRISING MEMBERS FROM ALL SIDES OF THIS HOUSE, CONVENED FOR A DEFINED PERIOD TO ADVISE ON NECESSARY REFORMS – INCLUDING MAKING SELECT COMMITTEE PROCESSES MORE DEMOCRATIC, SCHEDULING MORE AND BETTER TIME FOR NON-GOVERNMENT BUSINESS IN THE HOUSE, AND ENABLING THE PUBLIC TO INITIATE DIRECTLY SOME ISSUES FOR DEBATE.

AND GIVEN THE VITAL ROLE TRANSPARENCY HAS PLAYED IN SWEEPING AWAY THE DECREPIT SYSTEM OF ALLOWANCES, AND HOLDING POWER TO ACCOUNT, I BELIEVE WE SHOULD DO MORE TO SPREAD THE CULTURE AND PRACTICE OF FREEDOM OF INFORMATION.
SO AS A NEXT STEP, THE JUSTICE SECRETARY WILL SET OUT FURTHER PLANS TO LOOK AT BROADENING THE APPLICATION OF FREEDOM OF INFORMATION TO INCLUDE ADDITIONAL BODIES WHICH ALSO NEED TO BE SUBJECT TO GREATER TRANSPARENCY AND
ACCOUNTABILITY. THIS IS THE PUBLIC’S MONEY. THEY SHOULD KNOW HOW IT IS SPENT.

I SHOULD ALSO ANNOUNCE THAT, AS PART OF EXTENDING THE AVAILABILITY OF OFFICIAL INFORMATION AND AS OUR RESPONSE TO THE DACRE REVIEW, WE WILL PROGRESSIVELY REDUCE THE TIME TAKEN TO RELEASE OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS.

AS THE REPORT RECOMMENDED, WE HAVE CONSIDERED THE NEED TO STRENGTHEN PROTECTION FOR PARTICULARLY SENSITIVE MATERIAL AND THERE WILL BE PROTECTION OF ROYAL FAMILY AND CABINET PAPERS AS PART OF STRICTLY LIMITED EXEMPTIONS. BUT WE WILL REDUCE THE TIME FOR RELEASE OF ALL OTHER OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS BELOW THE CURRENT 30 YEARS, TO 20 YEARS.

AND SO THAT GOVERNMENT INFORMATION IS ACCESSIBLE AND USEFUL FOR THE WIDEST POSSIBLE GROUP OF PEOPLE, I HAVE ASKED SIR TIM BERNERS-LEE, WHO LED THE CREATION OF THE WORLD WIDE WEB, TO HELP US DRIVE THE OPENING UP OF ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT DATA IN THE WEB OVER THE COMING MONTHS.

MR SPEAKER, IN THE LAST 12 YEARS WE HAVE CREATED THE DEVOLVED ADMINISTRATIONS, ENDED THE HEREDITARY PRINCIPLE IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS, AND INTRODUCED THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT AND THE HUMAN RIGHTS ACT.

BUT JUST AS THROUGH RECENT CHANGES WE ARE REMOVING ANCIENT ROYAL PREROGATIVES AND MAKING THE EXECUTIVE MORE ACCOUNTABLE TO PARLIAMENT, SO, TO ESTABLISH AND RENEW ITS LEGITIMACY AND STATUS, PARLIAMENT ITSELF MUST NOW BECOME MORE ACCOUNTABLE TO THE PEOPLE.

AND MR SPEAKER, DEMOCRATIC REFORM CAN NOT BE LED IN WESTMINSTER ALONE. RATHER IT MUST PRINCIPALLY BE LED BY OUR ENGAGEMENT WITH THE PUBLIC. IT CANNOT BE TOP DOWN. THAT IS PART OF THE LESSON OF THE LAST MONTH. THE PUBLIC WANT TO BE, AND SHOULD BE, PART OF THE SOLUTION. SO WE MUST BUILD A PROCESS THAT ENGAGES CITIZENS THEMSELVES, PEOPLE OF ALL PARTIES AND NONE; OF ALL FAITHS AND NO FAITH; FROM EVERY BACKGROUND AND EVERY PART OF THE COUNTRY.

SO OVER THE COMING WEEKS THE GOVERNMENT WILL SET OUT PROPOSALS FOR DEBATE AND REFORM ON FIVE MAJOR ISSUES.

FIRST, WE WILL MOVE FORWARD WITH REFORM OF THE HOUSE OF LORDS. THE GOVERNMENT’S WHITE PAPER PUBLISHED LAST JULY, AND FOR WHICH THERE IS BACKING FROM OTHER PARTIES, COMMITTED US TO AN 80% OR 100% ELECTED HOUSE OF LORDS. WE MUST NOW TAKE THE NEXT STEPS AS WE COMPLETE THIS REFORM. THE GOVERNMENT WILL COME FORWARD WITH PUBLISHED PROPOSALS FOR THE FINAL STAGES OF HOUSE OF LORDS REFORM BEFORE THE SUMMER BREAK - INCLUDING THE NEXT STEPS WE CAN TAKE TO RESOLVE THE POSITION OF THE REMAINING HEREDITARY PEERS AND OTHER OUTSTANDING ISSUES.

SECOND, SETTING OUT THE RIGHTS THAT PEOPLE CAN EXPECT BUT ALSO THE RESPONSIBILITIES THAT COME WITH THOSE RIGHTS AS A BRITISH CITIZEN IS A FUNDAMENTAL STEP IN BALANCING POWER BETWEEN GOVERNMENT, PARLIAMENT AND THE PEOPLE. MR SPEAKER, IT IS TO SOME PEOPLE EXTRAORDINARY THAT IN BRITAIN WE STILL HAVE A LARGELY UNWRITTEN CONSTITUTION. I PERSONALLY FAVOUR A WRITTEN CONSTITUTION BUT I RECOGNISE THAT CHANGING THIS WOULD REPRESENT AN HISTORIC SHIFT IN OUR CONSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS SO SUCH PROPOSALS WILL BE SUBJECT TO WIDE PUBLIC DEBATE AND ULTIMATELY THE DRAFTING OF SUCH A CONSTITUTION WOULD BE A MATTER FOR THE WIDEST POSSIBLE CONSULTATION WITH THE BRITISH PEOPLE THEMSELVES.

THIRD IS THE DEVOLUTION OF POWER AND ENGAGEMENT OF PEOPLE THEMSELVES IN THEIR LOCAL COMMUNITIES.

THE HOUSE WILL BE AWARE OF THE PROPOSALS FOR THE COMPLETION OF DEVOLUTION OF POLICING AND JUSTICE IN NORTHERN IRELAND.

NEXT WEEK THE CALMAN COMMISSION WILL REPORT WITH RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE FUTURE OF DEVOLUTION IN SCOTLAND WITHIN THE UNION. THE GOVERNMENT’S 2006 ACT PERMITS FURTHER DEVOLUTION IN WALES.

AND MY RIGHT HONOURABLE FRIEND, THE COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT SECRETARY WILL SET OUT HOW WE WILL STRENGTHEN THE ENGAGEMENT OF CITIZENS IN THE DEMOCRATIC LIFE OF THEIR OWN COMMUNITIES AS WE PROGRESS THIS NEXT LEVEL OF DEVOLUTION IN ENGLAND – SO WE MUST CONSIDER WHETHER WE SHOULD OFFER STRONGER, CLEARLY DEFINED POWERS TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND CITY-REGIONS AND STRENGTHEN THEIR ACCOUNTABILITY TO LOCAL PEOPLE.

FOURTH, MR SPEAKER, LAST YEAR WE PUBLISHED OUR REVIEW OF THE ELECTORAL SYSTEM AND THERE IS A LONG-STANDING DEBATE ON THIS ISSUE. I STILL BELIEVE THE LINK BETWEEN THE MP AND CONSTITUENCY IS ESSENTIAL AND THAT IT IS THE CONSTITUENCY THAT IS BEST ABLE TO HOLD MPS TO ACCOUNT. WE SHOULD ONLY BE PREPARED TO PROPOSE CHANGE IF THERE IS A BROAD CONSENSUS IN THE COUNTRY THAT IT WOULD STRENGTHEN OUR DEMOCRACY AND OUR POLITICS BY IMPROVING THE EFFECTIVENESS AND LEGITIMACY OF BOTH GOVERNMENT AND PARLIAMENT; AND BY ENHANCING THE LEVEL AND QUALITY OF REPRESENTATION AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT. MR SPEAKER, WE WILL SET OUT PROPOSALS FOR TAKING THIS DEBATE FORWARD.

FIFTH WE WILL SET OUT PROPOSALS FOR INCREASING PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT IN POLITICS. TO IMPROVE ELECTORAL REGISTRATION WE WILL CONSIDER HOW WE INCREASE THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE ON THE REGISTER AND HELP TO COMBAT FRAUD. AND ON RECEIPT OF THE YOUTH CITIZENSHIP COMMISSION REPORT – AND HAVING HEARD FROM YOUNG PEOPLE THEMSELVES - WE WILL SET OUT THE STEPS WE WILL TAKE TO INCREASE THE ENGAGEMENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN POLITICS – INCLUDING WHETHER TO GIVE FURTHER CONSIDERATION TO THE VOTING AGE.

MR SPEAKER, AS WE COME FORWARD WITH PROPOSALS, IN EACH CASE THE GOVERNMENT WILL LOOK TO CONSULT WIDELY. AND ALL PROPOSED REFORMS WILL BE UNDERPINNED BY CROSS-PARTY DISCUSSIONS. OUR PROPOSALS WILL ALSO BE INFORMED BY LEADING EXTERNAL FIGURES INCLUDING ACADEMICS AND OTHERS WHO COMMAND PUBLIC RESPECT AND HAVE A RECOGNISED INTEREST OR EXPERTISE IN THE DIFFERENT ELEMENTS OF DEMOCRATIC REFORM. I EXPECT TO CONCLUDE IN TIME TO SHAPE THE GOVERNMENT’S FORWARD LEGISLATIVE PROGRAMME AND TO FEED INTO THE QUEEN’S SPEECH.

MR SPEAKER, IN THE MIDST OF ALL THE RANCOUR AND RECRIMINATION, LET US SEIZE THE MOMENT TO LIFT OUR POLITICS TO A HIGHER STANDARD. IN THE MIDST OF DOUBT, LET US REVIVE CONFIDENCE. LET US STAND TOGETHER BECAUSE ON THIS AT LEAST I THINK WE ALL AGREE: THAT BRITAIN DESERVES A POLITICAL SYSTEM EQUAL TO THE HOPES AND CHARACTER OF OUR PEOPLE. LET US DIFFER ON POLICY; THAT IS INEVITABLE. BUT LET US STAND TOGETHER FOR INTEGRITY AND DEMOCRACY; THAT IS NOW MORE ESSENTIAL THAN EVER. AND I COMMEND THIS STATEMENT TO THE HOUSE.

Gordon Brown will on Wednesday suggest scrapping Westminster’s traditional “first past the post” voting system as part of a package of reforms to the democratic system, which he hopes will give new momentum to his crippled administration.

However, the Hansard Audit of Political Engagement found that the constitutional issue that most people were dissatisfied with was the issue of Scottish MPs - like Gordon Brown - voting on matters that are none of their damn business.

If your screen width prevents you from viewing the above image you can see it here.

The man with no mandate from his party, no mandate as a prime minister, and no mandate from England will not allow England a say on how we would like to be governed, despite supporting and campaigning for Scotland’s right to do just that. He is a bigoted anti-English hypocrite.

Stuart Weir: Brown and the AV stitch up

LabourHome: To save England from Tory domination we must reform the voting system

Janet Daley: Gordon Brown tries to rig the voting system

The Mole: Why Gordon Brown wants vote reform:

There is a deep fear in Labour ranks that recent voting trends, aided by Scottish and Welsh devolution, could see Labour out of power for decades at best or even, in the worst case scenario, wiped out as a significant force for the foreseeable future.

The party has only ever won two elections without relying on Scottish and Welsh votes, in 1945 and 1997. And now, as the recent local and Euro elections showed, that ‘natural’ support can no longer be taken for granted. Labour even lost in Wales for the first time in almost a century.

English Democrat flies the Union flag in Doncaster

Doncaster starts a new life this week under a leader from a party previously associated with minuscule numbers of votes at byelections and an obsession with the flag.

[...]

His other eye-catching policies were in the same vein: reducing councillors’ numbers by two thirds to 21 (which he almost certainly has no power to do) and holding a referendum on whether his own post should exist. It was created in 2001 after a referendum with a 25% turnout. Although the English Democrats are routinely called right-wing (every public building would have to fly the Union flag) and want tight immigration curbs, they out-zeal the Liberal Democrats in wanting devolution from Westminster, election of every post in sight and the reunification of dismembered Yorkshire.

Well done to the English Democrats in getting one of their number elected as Mayor of Doncaster.  I don’t know why Doncastrians voted for him - whether it was for his euroscepticism, his English nationalism, his local policies or purely as a protest vote - but they did vote for him in large numbers and I’m sure we all wish him the best of luck in the English Democrats’ first foray into mainstream politics.

Now, back to the Guardian.  The failed communists at the Guardian hate the very idea of an English Parliament, partly because their beloved Labour Party would probably never leave the opposition benches in an English Parliament and partly because they only like the nationalism of the “oppressed minorities” on the celtic fringe.  You can expect more of this sort of thing from the Guardian and the rest of the anglophobic left wing media if Mayor Davies proves to be popular.

I very much doubt that Mayor Davies of the English Democrats will be flying the British flag in Doncaster.

In the past few weeks parliament has faced a level of upheaval not seen for more than 300 years. Outrage at MPs expense claims should remind us that politicians exist to serve the people – not the other way around. But those calling for the ‘Spirit of Cromwell’ would do well to remember Friday, May 29th - named Royal Oak Day almost 350 years ago by Act of Parliament:

“Parliament had ordered the 29th of May, the King’s birthday, to be forever kept as a day of thanksgiving for our redemption from tyranny and the King’s return to his Government, he returning to London that day“.

(Samuel Pepys’s Diary 1st June 1660)

English Oak is the national tree of our people. It represents strength and endurance. Oak is traditionally seen as the protector of our way of life. Royal Oak Day (also known as Oak Apple Day or Restoration Day) marks the restoration of England’s Monarchy. It recalls how Charles II hid in an oak tree to escape following his defeat in the battle of Worcester.

Many who fought the king and his troops under the military command of Cromwell were fuelled with outrage at high taxes and the unaccountable lavish lifestyle of their Monarchy. They were united in a desire for freedom and political liberties.

As a political leader, Cromwell placed the interests of his elite minority above the civil liberties of our nation. There were many problems, arguments and new laws based on his strict puritanism. Cromwell considered many things English people enjoyed as sins to be outlawed - eating plum pudding, theatres, singing and dancing were made against the law. Cromwell ruled by force – not by the will of the people.

Cromwell’s dictatorship and tyranny was not acceptable to those who opposed Charles II. Not long after Cromwell’s death, many of those who had previously fought the king under Cromwell united with English royalists to secure the king’s peaceful return. Charles II arrived in London on his 30th Birthday - 29th May 1660.

Charles II’s arrival marked the beginning of Restoration - the return of Monarchy for England. And this time not only Royalists welcomed him. His arrival meant everyone could enjoy singing, dancing, and plum pudding once more. On the day of his arrival there were fireworks, bonfires, dancing in the streets; church bells rang and cannons roared!

Royal Oak Day is a celebration of our freedom, liberty and nationhood - all of which are depicted in the strength and stability of the Oak. Royal Oak Day traditions such as enjoying plum pudding and ale are specific reminders of our redemption from tyranny.

This day was celebrated nationally throughout England for over 200 years. It has been customary to wear a sprig of oak on this day for centuries. There have been numerous naval ships, a train and a London underground station named ‘The Royal Oak’ and it remains a popular name for our pubs and hotels. The image of the Royal Oak continues to be found on our stamps and coins. Yet apart from within a few English village communities, this important day and its traditions have now almost been forgotten. As we approach the 350th Anniversary of this celebration in 2010, let us consider its significance and forever keep the 29th May as a day of thanksgiving for our redemption from tyranny – this Royal Oak Day you are free to wear a sprig of oak and enjoy traditional English plum pudding!

To find out more about Royal Oak Day visit: www.royaloakday.org.uk

We also need to introduce a federal system, so that English MPs are deciding rules for English constituencies. Why should English people be governed by the opinions of politicians from Scottish constituencies? Changing that would have to be part of electoral reform.

A PROPOSAL by David Cameron to cut the number of MPs at Westminster could make it even more difficult for the Conservatives to win seats in Scotland, experts have claimed.

Ken Ritchie, chief executive of the Electoral Reform Society, and a Labour Party supporting Scot, warned that Cameron’s plans could result in a complete nonsense:

Ken Ritchie, chief executive of the Electoral Reform Society, warned some Scottish rural seats could be carved up in an attempt to increase the number of electors.

Orkney and Shetland is protected by law as a standalone constituency, but there are only 21,905 voters in the Western Isles, and 47,395 in Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross.

…

He said: “The bigger problem is the voting system. I would be quite surprised if David Cameron, once in power, wanted to make a great deal of progress on constituency boundaries.”

Earlier in the week the aforementioned Ken Ritchie issued a press release on behalf of the Electoral Reform Society that urged Cameron to embrace reform - in particular proportional representation - or to remain the ‘English Party’.

Although proportional representation might mitigate the West Lothian Question by providing a fairer balance of party representation, the truth is that it’s probably only proportional representation that can keep the Tories from power. Therefore it is a possibility that the introduction of proportional representation and the Lib/Lab ‘progressive alliance’ that surely follows might be the spark that pushes the Conservatives towards the option of an English parliament and, consequently, the ‘end of the United Kingdom’ (if constitutional experts are to be believed).

Note: The average Scottish constituency has a population of 65,000 voters, against the 70,000 average size of an English constituency. In addition Scottish voters have 129 Members of the Scottish Parliament to represent their interests, not to mention their own national government.