of service, and would be sworn to act as described above. Operating beyond the clutches of the party managers, their presence in Parliament would require the Government to convince Citizen Senators through argument rather than force majeure.
A House of Lords composed entirely of Citizen Senators would not provide the highly-desirable capabilities of expert peers currently sitting in the Lords. Therefore, a committee should be established containing MPs from each House of Commons party, as well as Citizen Senators, to consider competitive applications from the various professional bodies and stakeholder groups, and agree on a list of recommended Expert Senators. This committee would also monitor their performance. Final decisions on the appointment of Expert Senators would be made by a vote of Citizen Senators.
' The new system would ensure equal representation on geographic, ethic, religious, gender and sexuality criteria '
Such a radical change to our legislature is not without risk and clearly poses significant practical and procedural difficulties, but these could be overcome by a country committed to genuine democratic renewal. The advantages far outweigh the disadvantages and, as shown, this system would rectify the central weaknesses of the present structures and bring huge benefits, literally transforming political life. The new system would, over time ensure equal representation on geographic, ethic, religious, gender and sexuality criteria. It would enhance the sense of active citizenship, so memorably captured by President Kennedy with the words:“ Ask not what your country can do for you- ask what you can do for your country”. It would force traditionally-elected MPs and the Government to seek the approval of a bloc of‘ real’ people.
The system proposed would revolutionise the way we practise politics. It would place the Mother of Parliaments at the vanguard of modern democracies, admired not for its longevity and pomp, but its willingness to ensure that‘ the people’ are placed at the heart of the democratic system, rather than seen as an adjunct to an increasingly sophisticated game of focus group poker. Justice is well served through citizens being appointed at random to sit on juries. Why not have faith that democracy itself could be served just as effectively by incorporating the great principles and strengths of the jury system into parliamentary structures. It is time for Parliament to make space for rule by the people by welcoming Citizen Senators into its midst. revolutionise. it 32