Labour Manifesto 2017

EXTENDING
DEMOCRACY
As we change our
constitutional relationship with
Europe, we must also adjust
our own arrangements. Just as
many felt that power was too
centralised and unaccountable
in Brussels, so many feel that
about Westminster.
A Labour government will establish a
Constitutional Convention to examine
and advise on reforming of the way
Britain works at a fundamental level.
We will consult on its form
and terms of reference and
invite recommendations on
extending democracy.
This is about where power and
sovereignty lies – in politics, the
economy, the justice system, and in
our communities.
The Convention will look at extending
democracy locally, regionally and
nationally, considering the option
of a more federalised country.
Our fundamental belief is that
the Second Chamber should be
democratically elected. In the
interim period, we will seek to
end the hereditary principle and
reduce the size of the current House
of Lords as part of a wider package
of constitutional reform to address
the growing democratic deficit
across Britain.
We will extend the Freedom of
Information Act to private
companies that run public services.
102 FOR THE MANY NOT THE FEW