Unlock Democracy to give evidence to Joint Committee on the Draft Constitutional Renewal Bill

The Director of Unlock Democracy, Peter Facey, will be giving evidence to the Joint Committee on the Draft Constitutional Renewal Bill tomorrow (Wednesday 21 May):

Time and Date: 4.15pm, Wednesday 21 May
Location: Committee Room 4A, Palace of Westminster

Peter will be specifically giving evidence on the government's proposals for a procedure for Parliament to approve the deployment of troops, and over their proposals to increase Parliament's role in the ratification of treaties. Also giving evidence will be Sebastian Payne, Lecturer, Kent Law School and Michael Hammer, Executive Director, One World Trust.

Speaking in advance of the session, Peter Facey said:

"Sadly, the government's proposals amount to little more than formalising existing practice rather than making meaningful change. Their proposals for Parliamentary approval over the deployment of troops are woefully weak. On international treaties, Parliament will still not be permitted to properly scrutinise international treaties, let alone be able to give government a steer in advance.

"The promise of last year's Green Paper has not been matched by substance. On Wednesday, we will be encouraging MPs to demand greater powers for themselves."

Live coverage of the session will be found here: http://www.parliamentlive.tv/Main/VideoPlayer.aspx?meetingId=1831


ENDS

1. Unlock Democracy, incorporating Charter 88 is the UK's leading campaign for democracy, rights and freedoms.

2. For more information, a quote or an interview, please contact James Graham on 020 7278 4443 / 07966 237550 / james.graham@unlockdemocracy.org.uk.