There are many committed campaigners on these issues: the event heard from Emily Randall of Unlock Democracy on the potential to use the Sustainable Communities Act to push for change at a local level; Frances Scott of the 50:50 campaign talked of her passion for gender equality in the House of Commons being shared by many people including Carey Mulligan; Klina Jordan revealed a new name for the activist group she is Co-facilitator for: the Voting Reform Team has, after a democratic election, become Make Votes Matter; last, but not least, Josiah Mortimer of the Electoral Reform Society talked about how the society is determined to bring about change in the Lords by highlighting exactly what’s wrong with it.
The speakers then took charge of four tables of attendees and led the conversations about their campaigns. A hubbub of lively debate spread around the Hub as people who in most cases had previously not met, observed the Politics of Networks convention of discussing issues in a respectful manner seeking commonalities and trying to avoid differences getting in the way. Eventually, perhaps regretfully, it was time for the room to re-convene.
There were several main themes that came out of the four tables:
Firstly, better political education is required to help the public better understand British political processes, and to encourage to engage far more than they are at present.
Secondly, politics needs to be made much more accessible and engaging to the public- in the West Midlands, this is especially true when it comes to BAME representation: it was noted that in the current Birmingham Labour leadership election, there are no BAME candidates for the city’s top political job.
Thirdly, we need to ensure that major political parties are part of the answer, in support of reform. Several attendees discussed the importance of getting members of political parties already engaged with these issues to bring along more people with them.
Finally, this country needs a Constitutional Convention: reform and tinkering has thus far been done in a piecemeal fashion which
doesn’t really provide continuity. If we are to properly improve our democracy, we have to consider everything at the same time.
Michael Orton, co-ordinator of the West Midlands Politics of Networks, concluded the evening by saying that in order to truly succeed, we need to get out there and make change happen ourselves. This event went a long way to that process beginning in Birmingham.
Tom Pratt, Chair, Unlock Democracy Birmingham
What seems clear to me, is that it is vital that a constitutional convention takes place asap. Then not only can everything be discussed but also agreements reached on a programme for change which hopefully all participants will sign up to and then implement in full when they can. An organisation needs to take the initiative to start this process off or nothing will happen.
Electoral reform needs political muscle to enforce on a stubborn establishment. The unused muscle has been Challenge Bye-elections.
Not a new weapon: Think Wilkes. Think Tony Benn in Bristol, when he stood in his own constituency to force an end of compulsory inheritance of peerage. Think Martin Bell. Think David Davis. I am submitting a detailed paper to all relevant organisations: ERS, Unlock etc. If you want a copy contact me.