Today’s publication of draft legislation to devolve powers to Scotland makes the case for a UK-wide, citizen-led Constitutional Convention ever more pressing.
All the parties vowed to devolve more powers to Scotland, and no one is suggesting this should be delayed. But ultimately, today’s announcement raises more questions than it answers. These new powers will have huge implications for the rest of the UK, so this is only going to be the start of the debate about where power should lie.
It is vital that this debate is not dominated by politicians striking up deals behind closed doors. We won’t get a settlement between the nations that commands legitimacy and respect unless it is reached with citizens in the driving seat. That’s why we need a UK-wide, citizen-led Constitutional Convention to give ordinary people the power to decide our country’s future.
We saw in the Scottish independence referendum that when you give people a real say in where power should lie, they will turn out in droves. Let’s bring that energy to the rest of the UK and open up this important debate so citizens can have their say. It’s time for a Convention, and all the parties should commit to one.
Join us in calling for a citizen-led Convention! Sign our petition or join in on Twitter with #TimeforaConvention