In a recent YouGov poll, of those polled who said they wouldn't vote in an upcoming General Election,52% cited 'a lack of trust in politics generally' as their primary reason. This significant finding, reported in today's Metro newspaper underscores the deepening disillusionment with the political establishment, as revealed in the Trust and Citizens report published by the Sortition Foundation today.
Key Findings from the Poll
- Low Trust in MPs: An overwhelming 78% of respondents stated they do not trust MPs to tell the truth. This distrust is a major barrier to electoral participation.
- Support for Citizens' Assemblies: Nearly 60% of British adults believe members of a citizens' assembly would make better policy decisions in their best interests compared to just 12% who trust MPs.
- Preference for House of Lords Reform: A significant portion of the population (24%) favors replacing the House of Lords with a rolling citizens' assembly. This option is more popular than an elected chamber (18%), complete abolition (14%), removal of hereditary peers (11%), or regional representatives (5%).
James Robertson, Campaigns Director of the Sortition Foundation, commented on the implications of these findings: "Rock-bottom trust levels will deter people from voting in the next election. The good news is that British people trust each other nearly five times more than their MPs to make decisions in their best interests. Citizens’ assemblies are a key way we can restore trust in our political system."
The 858 Project: A New Vision for the House of Lords
The publication of the Trust and Citizens report also marks the launch of the 858 Project by the Sortition Foundation. This campaign aims to replace the House of Lords with a House of Citizens, a rolling citizens' assembly designed to ensure accountability and restore public faith that laws are sensible and fair.
"Politicians make all kinds of promises at election time, but when they’re held to account by their cronies in the Lords, faith in them to deliver will remain low," Robertson argues. "A House of Citizens, selected like a jury, would ensure politicians keep their word and deliver for ordinary people."
The Path Forward
The Trust and Citizens report provides a look at the current state of political trust in the UK and suggests a potential remedy through embedding citizens' assemblies. By bringing together a representative group of people to deliberate on issues and make informed decisions, this model could bridge the trust gap between the public and their political representatives.
As the UK grapples with declining political engagement, innovative solutions like a House of Citizens present a promising path to revitalising democracy and ensuring that government actions reflect the considered will of the people.
The YouGov poll surveyed 2,082 adults online between May 13-14, 2024, with weighted figures representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).
Read the press release here: Trust and Citizens Report Press Release