Menu
24/09/2003
New ways needed to 'revitalise' democracy: Blunkett
Speaking at a conference in London today, Home Secretary Mr Blunkett called for new ways to "revitalise our democracy" and to find new ways of positively linking government to the governed.
The Home Secretary told the Democracy & Participation Programme Key Findings and Policy Implications Conference, in Great George Street, London, that this vision of civil renewal needed to be at the heart of the government's future agenda.
Mr Blunkett welcomed recent Economic and Social Research Council Democracy research that looked at these themes, but also challenged the academic community to "continue to take part in developing achievable civil renewal policies for civil renewal and greater participation".
Building on themes outlined in his Edith Kahn Memorial lecture, Mr Blunkett said: "Civil Renewal provides a far reaching reform agenda - one that needs to be at the heart of future Government policy. The government must continue to fundamentally redefine its relationship with the people it serves, and empower communities and boost active citizenship.
"We are truly free when we act together as members of a community to shape our own lives. That is what real democracy is all about – the participation of citizens in the society in which they live, with an enabling state providing the resources, legislation, framework and accumulation of assets and capacity building, to equalise the chance of this becoming a reality for those without wealth or access to sources of personal advancement."
The Home Secretary also announced that £1 million will be available to set up a new Centre for Active Citizenship which would to operate as a consortium of organisations, university departments and think tanks.
(gmcg)
The Home Secretary told the Democracy & Participation Programme Key Findings and Policy Implications Conference, in Great George Street, London, that this vision of civil renewal needed to be at the heart of the government's future agenda.
Mr Blunkett welcomed recent Economic and Social Research Council Democracy research that looked at these themes, but also challenged the academic community to "continue to take part in developing achievable civil renewal policies for civil renewal and greater participation".
Building on themes outlined in his Edith Kahn Memorial lecture, Mr Blunkett said: "Civil Renewal provides a far reaching reform agenda - one that needs to be at the heart of future Government policy. The government must continue to fundamentally redefine its relationship with the people it serves, and empower communities and boost active citizenship.
"We are truly free when we act together as members of a community to shape our own lives. That is what real democracy is all about – the participation of citizens in the society in which they live, with an enabling state providing the resources, legislation, framework and accumulation of assets and capacity building, to equalise the chance of this becoming a reality for those without wealth or access to sources of personal advancement."
The Home Secretary also announced that £1 million will be available to set up a new Centre for Active Citizenship which would to operate as a consortium of organisations, university departments and think tanks.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 July 2004
Political intimidation hindering Afghan democracy, says report
The level of political freedom Afghans are able to exercise varies widely across their country, with some areas marred by intimidation, a UN backed study has found.
Political intimidation hindering Afghan democracy, says report
The level of political freedom Afghans are able to exercise varies widely across their country, with some areas marred by intimidation, a UN backed study has found.
05 January 2012
Hague To Meet Burma Leaders
Foreign Secretary William Hague is visiting Burma on Wednesday, meeting both President Thein Sein, and spokesperson for the democracy movement, Aung San Suu Kyi.
Hague To Meet Burma Leaders
Foreign Secretary William Hague is visiting Burma on Wednesday, meeting both President Thein Sein, and spokesperson for the democracy movement, Aung San Suu Kyi.
28 March 2012
Legal High 'Mexxy' Banned Under New Government Powers
A so called legal high, known as ‘Mexxy’, will be the first drug to be banned under new government powers, the Home Office has said. Methoxetamine, used as an alternative to ketamine, will be made illegal for up to 12 months while the government's drugs advisers decide whether it should be permanently controlled.
Legal High 'Mexxy' Banned Under New Government Powers
A so called legal high, known as ‘Mexxy’, will be the first drug to be banned under new government powers, the Home Office has said. Methoxetamine, used as an alternative to ketamine, will be made illegal for up to 12 months while the government's drugs advisers decide whether it should be permanently controlled.
05 October 2004
Howard pledges "less talk, more action"
An incoming Conservative government would make a "war on crime" the centrepiece of its plans to make Britain a country envied around the world, Conservative leader Michael Howard has pledged.
Howard pledges "less talk, more action"
An incoming Conservative government would make a "war on crime" the centrepiece of its plans to make Britain a country envied around the world, Conservative leader Michael Howard has pledged.
04 December 2003
Councils to gain £1.5bn through new service agreements
Councils are set to claim their share of £1.5 billion from the government if they hit new targets on local priorities under the second generation of the local public service agreements (local PSA) scheme.
Councils to gain £1.5bn through new service agreements
Councils are set to claim their share of £1.5 billion from the government if they hit new targets on local priorities under the second generation of the local public service agreements (local PSA) scheme.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
