Voters to attend debate at Number 10

Sixty voters attend meeting at 10 Downing Street to discuss public policy issues

Saturday, 03, Mar 2007 12:00

Sixty voters are attending a debate at 10 Downing Street today to discuss government policy.

Today's meeting will conclude a process of public discussions which has seen 100 people meet in five cities across the country to discuss how they would deal with the social policy problems facing government.

In a video message which will be played to the committee of citizens before the debate begins, prime minister Tony Blair thanked the attendees for their participation and insisted their input could "shape the public services of the future".

Similar civic debating schemes have already been utilised by the Department of Health and the Department of Work and Pensions to find ways of improving public services.

The 60 voters were selected by Ipsos Mori, an independent research company, to ensure they reflect a genuine cross section of British society.

In the video message the prime minister also said the balance between state and citizens needed to be discussed so a picture of how much government intervention was desired could be drawn.

Stating that "governing is about decision making and choices", Mr Blair said he was looking for the public's ideas on how to improve the NHS, tackle crime and develop schooling in the UK.

Although Mr Blair said there were "no easy answers" to the problems up for discussion he insisted that the thoughts and opinions generated from today's session would be presented to the cabinet on Thursday.

"I can't say we will take forward every idea but we are listening," he added.

Mr Blair also reminded the panel of citizens to have their photograph taken outside the iconic black door of No 10 before leaving.