Water Bill

Debate between Carla Denyer and Ellie Chowns

2nd reading
Friday 28th March 2025 Commons Chamber

[Carla Denyer]

If hon. Members of this House feel threatened by the setting up of a citizens’ assembly in order to gather views, that may be an indication of the weakness of the democracy that we have in this place. I really value the contribution that citizens’ assemblies can make. They have been used in other countries, notably Ireland. They are not a replacement for the House of Commons, but they can add valuable extra detail.

[Ellie Chowns (North Herefordshire) (Green)]

rose—

[Carla Denyer]

I think my hon. Friend is about to chip in with an example.

[Ellie Chowns]

Does my hon. Friend agree that we have the example of the citizens’ assembly on climate change, which was established jointly by six Select Committees of this House a couple of years ago?

[Carla Denyer]

I agree with my hon. Friend, and I would also point to the citizens’ assembly set up by Bristol city council. Citizens’ assemblies are particularly strong at looking in depth at detailed, specific questions, rather than broad topics to do with how the entire country is run. I see citizens’ assemblies not as replacing the role of the House of Commons, but as supplementing it valuably.