The Conservative Party is to stage a series of public meetings around the country in the weeks and months ahead, giving members of the public the opportunity to debate the state of our democracy, including issues like the role of Parliament and the independence of the Civil Service, as well as reform of party funding.
As David Cameron prepared to meet the Prime Minister to discuss the Conservative Party’s proposals for the reform of political party funding, it was announced that the first public meeting - focusing on the role and powers of Parliament - will be held in Manchester on Thursday, 6th April, with Ken Clarke, Chairman of the Conservative Party’s Democracy Taskforce.
Called ‘Democracy Deliberated: Is Parliament the people’s voice or the Government’s Patsy?’, the meeting will provide the opportunity for the public to air their views on Parliament, and its role and future. The agenda will also include Parliament’s role of scrutinising government; plus reform of the Houses of Lords and Commons, and the role of Select Committees.
Mr Clarke and Conservative MP Andrew Tyrie will take questions from the floor and debate the challenges Parliament faces today.
Speaking in advance of the event, Mr Clarke said: “There are important and tough issues of democratic accountability, the power of the executive and party funding that we must not shy away from tackling. David Cameron is today meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss party funding, but meetings in Westminster alone are not enough.
“The Conservative Party wants to engage with the public on issues of democratic reform, which is why they have asked me to be part of this event. I look forward to a lively debate on a wide range of issues on Thursday evening.”
Find out more about the Taskforce