Constitution, Democracy and Human Rights Commission Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateLord Young of Cookham
Main Page: Lord Young of Cookham (Conservative - Life peer)Department Debates - View all Lord Young of Cookham's debates with the Cabinet Office
(3 years, 7 months ago)
Lords ChamberTo ask Her Majesty’s Government when they plan to establish the Constitution, Democracy and Human Rights Commission.
My Lords, the Government remain absolutely committed to looking at the broader aspects of the constitution and the relationship between the Government, Parliament and the courts, as pledged in our manifesto. We are taking forward the work via a range of work- streams, some of which have already been announced, such as the Independent Review of Administrative Law. Others will be announced in due course.
My Lords, our manifesto said:
“In our first year we will set up a Constitution, Democracy & Rights Commission.”
This was confirmed on 29 January last year, when the noble Earl, Lord Howe, said:
“We will set up the commission within this Government’s first year. Further announcements will be made in due course.”—[Official Report, 29/1/20; col. 1437.]
Since then, silence. But the Library tells me that the Government have established seven other independent reviews and one public inquiry. So, for the fourth time, I ask the Government for a debate in which they set out their emerging thoughts and your Lordships set out their priorities. We can then move forward on a broad basis of support that commands public confidence.