Could Citizens’ Assemblies help to repair our broken democracy?
By Dave Sharratt

Ancient Athens applied deliberative democracy with the belief that political decisions should be a result of fair and reasonable discussion among its citizens. Unfortunately excluding women and slaves! Thankfully we have moved on from that, but we took our time, with women securing the right to vote a mere 100 years ago.

Citizens’ assemblies are carefully designed bring together a diverse group of people, randomly selected, to listen to credible and balanced expert information. Giving them the time to debate the issues and trade-offs with one another in facilitated discussions. This can lead to more legitimate outcomes with more informed and engaged participants.

One of the most successful and compelling examples in recent years has been the Irish citizens’ assembly on constitutional reform. This cleared the way for the referendum on abortion. The people listened to the recommendation made by assembly members and voted for change. In addition, there have been several other citizens’ assemblies run on issues ranging  from assisted dying to tackling the climate crisis.

Other countries have applied citizens’ assemblies and according to the OECD 320 citizens’ assemblies and juries have been held since 1986 across local, regional and national levels. There is plenty of best practice experience for government to draw on to create an honest, well-informed dialogue on thorny issues connecting the electorate with our politicians.

The Labour Party has made a commitment to apply the citizens’ assembly model to address the democratic deficit and disconnect with the electorate. They are looking closely at the Irish model and it is hoped that within the first 100 days of their tenure there will be a roll out of citizens’ assemblies.

Sue Gray (Downing Street Chief of Staff) said in February 2024:
"The citizens’ assemblies could be used to get agreement on House of Lords reform, give more powers to directly elected mayors and draw up regional-development plans to support house building".
She continued: “This is one way we can help resolve these questions by involving communities at an early stage". Let us hope the Government delivers on this.

See the article from the Constitution Society on this issue HERE>