Modernise the House of Commons
Immediate reform of the House of Lords
A reset between Westminster and Holyrood, Cardiff Bay, and Stormont
Votes at 16
Over the last 14 years, trust in politics has been shattered.
Partying in Downing Street whilst the whole country sacrificed their freedom.
Handing lucrative Covid contracts to friends and donors.
Failing to expel MPs caught breaking the rules.
The behaviour of the Conservatives has understandably led to a widespread belief that many politicians are in it for themselves.
As a result, there is now a crisis of confidence in our political system’s ability to deliver any change.
This is not limited to Westminster – in Scotland, the Scottish National Party has also failed to uphold the standards expected in public life.
The scandals may be different, but the SNP has also sought to protect its own and failed to address the behaviour of its MPs and MSPs, from sexual harassment scandals to accusations of financial mismanagement and defending the inappropriate use of public expenses.
The people of Scotland also deserve better from their representatives.
It is not just sleaze and scandal that have eroded trust.
Just as corrosive has been the inability of politicians to keep promises made to the British people.
Over the last 14 years, the vast chasm between Conservative slogans and reality has shown a contempt for democracy.
From claiming “we’re all in it together” while decimating public services, to the empty promises to “level up”, gimmicks and gestures have shamefully replaced the hard graft of governing.
In contrast, Labour has been transformed from a party of protest to one that always puts the interests of the country first.
Now we are determined to do the same with our politics, returning government to the service of working people.
This will require a reset in our public life; a clean-up that ensures the highest standards of integrity and honesty.
We will make sure MPs focus on serving their constituents.
We will deepen our democracy by reforming Parliament and devolving power to communities.
And rather than stoking division – as do both the Conservatives and the SNP – we will ensure there is respect and collaboration across the different governments that make up the United Kingdom.
Setting the highest of standards in public life is not just about better behaviour or decisionmaking, though it will improve both.
It is also central to restoring trust between the public and politics.
After 14 years of chaos, division and disrespect, the British people are understandably cynical about appeals to come together in the national interest.
But the challenges we face demand nothing less – it is the lifeblood of national renewal.
This plan recognises that politics must make the first move in repairing that bond.
Labour will restore confidence in government and ensure ministers are held to the highest standards.
This includes enforcing restrictions on ministers lobbying for the companies they used to regulate,
with meaningful sanctions for breaching the rules.
Most MPs work hard to serve their constituents but can be hamstrung by arcane procedures and outdated working practices.
The absence of rules on second jobs also means some constituents end up with MPs who spend more time on their second job, or lobbying for outside interests, than on representing them.
We will task the Modernisation Committee to take forward urgent work on the restrictions that need to be put in place to prevent MPs from taking up roles that stop them serving their constituents and the country.
Although Labour recognises the good work of many peers who scrutinise the government and improve the quality of legislation passed in Parliament, reform is long over-due and essential.
Too many peers do not play a proper role in our democracy.
Hereditary peers remain indefensible.
And because appointments are for life, the second chamber of Parliament has become too big.
Labour will also introduce a mandatory retirement age.
and we will introduce a new participation requirement
as well as strengthening the circumstances in which disgraced members can be removed.
and will seek to improve the national and regional balance of the second chamber.
Labour is committed to strengthening our democracy and upholding the integrity of elections.
Rather than encouraging full participation in our democracy, the Conservatives have brought in partisan changes that make it harder to vote,
whilst doing nothing to strengthen protections against foreign interference.
address the inconsistencies in voter ID rules that prevent legitimate voters from voting.
For example, in the case of HM Armed Forces Veteran Cards.
As part of Labour’s plans to clean up politics and return it to the service of working people, we will reset the UK government’s relationship with devolved governments in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
The Conservatives weakened our country by disrespecting the legitimate role of devolved governments and parliaments.
As recommended in the Report of the Commission on the UK’s future, we will establish a new Council of the Nations and Regions.