Rival thinktanks in expenses reform plan
Rival thinktanks unveil rare manifesto advocating "systemic and radical" reform of Westminster
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Rival thinktanks from across the political divide have unveiled a rare manifesto advocating "systemic and radical" reform of the UK political system.
Details of Sir Christopher Kelly's review into the expenses scandal have already been leaked, including a ban on second home mortgages and MPs employing family members.
But an unusual alliance of thinktanks including the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), Centre Forum, Demos, Fabian Society, Policy Exchange, Progress and Reform, says the reform proposals do not go far enough.
As the Kelly committee prepares to unveil its official recommendations, the thinktanks have published a new book, A Future for Politics - Ways to reform our political system, calling for fundamental and far-reaching changes.
Describing the current situation as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reform at a time of widening gulfs between people and politicians, the thinktanks warn politicians cannot allow a drift back to business as usual.
Among their key points are:
- Transparency and accountability - increased scrutiny should extend to senior civil servants and leaders of taxpayer-funded bodies
- Much stronger parliament - committee system should be strengthened and parliament given powers to initiate legislation
- Local democracy - UK political system needs decentralising
- Increase citizen's power - give people power to recall MPs and legislation petitions
- Opening up the party system - primaries could be one way to improve access to frontline politics
Carey Oppenheim, IPPR co-director, commented: "Although the thinktanks which have contributed to this book have different views on many issues, for all of us, politics matter. There is an impressive level of agreement among us as to the importance of real political reform and as to the shape it should take. Cleaning up expenses and clearing out errant MPs is not nearly enough to address the crisis that has engulfed politics in the UK.
"All agree that there is a profound sense of powerlessness among the public over our political system. Together we set out a radical agenda for sweeping reform and in so doing issue a challenge to the party leaders and parliament to face up to the need for substantial action."