Reinvigorating UK democracy: how to bridge the gap between citizens and the state
How much influence does the public have on the decisions made by government? Should they have more? And how should that work? \n\nPeople want a greater say in the decisions that affect them and their lives, with polling by UCL\u2019s Constitution Unit finding that 77% of people felt they had too little influence over how the UK is governed. There is often a disconnect between the public and the UK\u2019s representative institutions. \n\nSo what needs to be done to bridge this gap between citizens and the state? This event, part of the Institute for Government and Bennett Institute for Public Policy\u2019s Review of the UK constitution, explored ambitious ideas for reinvigorating democracy in the UK. From new digital technologies, tools for allowing people most affected by policies to help design them, and citizens\u2019 assembles on the most important policy challenges facing the country, our panel will pitch their proposals to improve the UK constitution and bring decision making closer to the people. \n\nSarah Castell, CEO of Involve \nMiriam Levin, Programme Director at Engage Britain \nProfessor Jane Suiter, Director of Dublin City University\u2019s Institute for Future Media, Democracy and Society \nOli Whittington, Senior Researcher at the Centre for Collective Intelligence Design, Nesta \n\nThe event was chaired by Jess Sargeant, Senior Researcher at the Institute for Government \n\n#IfGBennettInst