Wednesday 3rd June 2020

(3 years, 10 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Ashton of Hyde Portrait Lord Ashton of Hyde (Con)
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I call the noble Baroness, Lady Barker. No? Then I call the noble Baroness, Lady Whitaker.

Baroness Whitaker Portrait Baroness Whitaker (Lab)
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Given the distrust in government decisions nationally and locally, what thought have the Government given to the promotion of citizens’ assemblies, organised remotely, to enable citizens to be party to evidence and discussion?

Lord Greenhalgh Portrait Lord Greenhalgh
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I note the noble Baroness’s comments about the functioning of local democracy. Certainly, in my 20 years, I always felt that we had one of the best examples of local democratic accountability through our councillors and engagement with local business groups. I will look at the noble Baroness’s comments. We continue to work with other bodies, including citizens’ and other assembly groups to ensure that their voices are heard.