In July over 650 supporters of the 858 Project wrote to the new minister for the constitution, Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, to ask him to replace the House of Lords with a House of Citizens. In August we received a letter in response from the cabinet office.
It was great to show that there’s such a breadth of feeling on this issue so soon after the general election and the new minister takes up his post. Thanks to all of our incredible supporters who took the time to write to the Minister. It’s crucial that we hold the government to its word, because if history’s anything to go by we know it could easily fall off their radar if we don’t.
So to keep this at the top of Nick Thomas Symonds’ agenda, we’re planning to host a debate this October in Westminster on the future of the House of Lords, in partnership with campaigners in the Electoral Reform Society. This will help put the campaign on the map of MPs, civil servants and members of the media.
This campaign is powered by people who believe in the idea of a House of Citizens. So hundreds of generous supporters are helping to fund this event, which will cost us £5000 to put on, by chipping in what they can. You can make a donation here.
Replacing the House of Lords is essential to fixing so much that’s broken in our politics and country. It’s an out-of-date system of patronage and favours, where bishops get guaranteed seats, the average age is 71 and 71% are men, and the UK regions aren’t fairly represented.
At our debate, experts, members of the public and politicians will talk about the best ways to reform it. We’ll even invite some well-known Lords to debate their own future! At Sortition Foundation we believe the best option for a second chamber is a rolling House of Citizens, made up of everyday people from all walks of life and regions of the UK, selected by lottery like a jury. Because we don’t need more prime ministers nominating their mates and cronies, or more politicians who only think short-term to attract donors and win votes. We know that nurses, teachers, carpenters and carers will put the public interest before the interests of any one political party or donor.
We’ve already got the attention of the minister in charge of changing the constitution. Now we need to ramp up the pressure by getting more people in Westminster talking about it - and we can only do that if we work together. So if you can help us put on this event, we’d be really grateful for any donation you can make.
It’s been 858 years since we first trusted our fellow citizens with weighty decisions in juries, now it’s time we restore trust in our political system too, by pushing for a House of Citizens.