How To Live In The 21st Century

2. How does it fit with Compass’ core beliefs of equality, solidarity, democracy, freedom, sustainability and well being?

Constitutional and electoral reform are the MOST important issues that face this country. Why? Because without them no other reforms are possible. True equality, liberty and freedom are impossible without a political mechanism that can make them happen, and legal guarantees that can prevent their subsequent erosion by opportunistic governments. The starting point should be the US or Irish constitutions with their separation of powers, checks and balances, and Supreme Courts that can strike down unconstitutional laws (such as 42 day detention).

3. How does it build the institutions of social democracy, like social groups and collective and cooperative forms of ownership and control?

Reform of both houses, as I outlined in my submission “For true liberty and democracy we need electoral reform of both Houses of Parliament not just one”, would improve democracy, by making the process more representative. This would also increase voter turnout by offering greater political choice. Civil liberties such as freedom of expression, habeus corpus, freedom of speech, would be protected. Governments would be the servants of the people, not our rulers and masters. If international treaties were subject to approval by referendum, then sovereignty would rest with the people.

4. How much will it cost or raise and where will any cost come from?

There is no intrinsic financial cost in any of these proposals. Reform of both Houses of Parliament could be self-financing, depending on the structures adopted. Parliament would pass less, but better crafted, legislation. This would reduce administration costs both inside Parliament and outside. Reforming our outdated libel laws (which bizarrely place the burden of proof on the accused) would reduce legal costs to the economy.

5. Which groups in the electorate are likely to support or oppose this measure? Is there any polling evidence you have on this?

The political establishment appear wedded to the current system and will probably oppose any reform. They adore the total power that it delivers and the lack of effective scrutiny. They worship tradition and fear change because they fear what they cannot control absolutely.

The reforms could reinvigorate political debate in this country, making parties more popular, and voter turnout higher. It could lead to more honest politics and therefore improve the standing of politicians with the electorate.

6. Is there a place or country where it’s worked? Please provide some information.

The USA is a good starting point as is the Republic of Ireland. I particularly like their requirement that all treaties that effectively modify the constitution must be subject to formal constitutional ratification by referendum. Given the controversy here over the EU treaty and some of our asymmetric extradition treaties, that would be no bad thing.

7. What are the three main arguments in favour/against it?

Electoral reform would mean no party would control both houses. PR in the upper chamber would force parties to concentrate more on their core vote during elections. This would lead to more radical policies and pluralism. The constitution would protect the individual, hold the executive and state institutions to account, reduce secrecy and improve transparency. This would improve public services.
Disadvantages: Governments would find it harder to pass legislation. But really this is an advantage as they would need to argue their case better and build alliances. The resulting legislation would be framed better and more workable.