Constitutional Reform and Renewal : Eleventh Report of Session 2008-09 - Report, Together with Formal Minutes, and Oral Evidence

In this report, "Constitutional Reform and Renewal (HC 923)", the Justice Committee states that it recognises the appetite in many quarters for fundamental constitutional change and welcomes the Government's renewed focus on constitutional reform and renewal in response to this.

It is surprised by the limited provisions in the Constitutional Reform and Governance Bill and fears that this may be a missed opportunity to make progress in some areas of reform.

Any programme introducing fundamental change should be carefully constructed and aimed at a coherent outcome taking into account the widest possible range of views and allowing sufficient time for consideration and response.

The Government's approach to constitutional reform has been ad hoc and piecemeal.

Reform must underpinned by a set of constitutional principles based on a proper understanding of the position and role of Parliament in relation to the other institutions of state.

The report covers: the Parliamentary Standards Bill; House of Lords reform; a written constitution; stronger powers to local government; electoral reform; young people's engagement with politics; and, freedom of information. The Committee cautions that inappropriate handling of bills and proposals for reform specifically designed to restore public trust may further undermine that trust.