‘When I asked if she was willing to compromise on any area, Theresa May offered nothing.’ (Photo: Leon Neal/Getty Images)

After suffering the biggest defeat of any government in recorded history last week, the Prime Minister invited me into No 10.

When I asked if she was willing to compromise on any area, she offered nothing. Theresa May has built herself a cage of red lines, and she’s refusing to come out until she gets her way.

But when I suggested something new, she seemed intrigued. Though she currently appears unwilling to change the Brexit deal itself, the Prime Minister might just be willing to change the conversation around it.

In this moment of national crisis and political stalemate, a citizens’ assembly could help to break the deadlock.




The idea is to bring together a randomly-selected group of between 100 and 200 people, representative of the UK’s range of opinions and diversity of communities – a bit like a jury.

Over a period of time (say seven weekends) they would hear a broad range of impartial evidence and perspectives, and be given the space to explore, question and discuss them, before making considered recommendations to politicians.

They could examine the deal negotiated by the Government, and weigh it against Labour’s idea of a renegotiation and the Brexiteers’ favoured no-deal. They could give a view on how a People’s Vote might work, and what the question and franchise should be.

Brexit has demonstrated just how broken our democratic structures are. It’s only right that the public help to find a way forward.

I’ve been campaigning for a People’s Vote since 2016 because I believe it could begin a process of democratic renewal – and a citizens’ assembly could have an important role to play.

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

A combination of archaic parliamentary procedures, a rigged voting system and sheer political indifference renders most people in the UK powerless. Yet so far the tortuous process of leaving the EU has done nothing to give them back control.

As Parliament stalls and our prime minister runs out of ideas, we politicians must explore new avenues.

In Ireland, a citizens’ assembly helped pave the way for the referendum that lifted the ban on abortions there last year. In Canada, one was used to investigate electoral reform. And in Iceland, a national assembly was called to discuss a constitutional overhaul.

They can be powerful tools for building constructive conversations out of even the most toxic issues – and must be considered as part of a suite of reforms to redistribute power across the UK.

We are one of the most centralised countries in Europe, with Westminster holding far too much sway over our regions and local authorities.

In recent years, governments have started to heed demands for control in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland with piecemeal devolution.

But they’ve failed to offer our very diverse English regions with their unique cultures and different histories any significant power – and have fought off any suggestion of comprehensive constitutional reform.



Politicians must ask difficult questions about their own roles too. That means recognising that our winner-takes-all electoral system is outdated, and deprives all but a handful of voters in certain ‘swing’ seats of a meaningful voice.

A proportional system, where the number of votes directly corresponds to the number of seats a party gains in Parliament, could transform the way our country is run.

It’s now well known that the Gothic, rat-infested Palace of Westminster is crumbling into the Thames – making it a powerful symbol of political decay.

The shock of the Brexit vote should shine new light on ideas like starting over with a new Parliament in a city like Leeds or Manchester – providing the chance to rebalance our economy as well as our politics.

And the nature of the referendum campaign should force us to introduce a ground-breaking new Digital Bill of Rights to make our democracy fit for the 21st century.

A citizens’ assembly could explore all of these ideas and more, and help turn the political paralysis over Brexit into an exciting opportunity for systemic change.

The longer the Prime Minister clings to Plan A and tightens the screws on her cage of red lines, the more new options MPs will consider.

I’ve already signed an amendment that would implement a citizens’ assembly after Tuesday’s crucial vote on what happens next, and tonight I’ll join colleagues for an event in Parliament to discuss how it could work.

Straight after my meeting last week, I sent the Prime Minister some information about citizens’ assemblies.


With no sign of a breakthrough ahead of next Tuesday’s Meaningful Vote 2.0, I hope she’ll recognise its potential to help end this Brexit deadlock – because when politicians fail to find solutions, they must turn to the people.

MORE: May urges MPs to ‘choose certainty over uncertainty’ ahead of Brexit vote

MORE: Don’t let bullies outside Parliament persuade you we are living through civil war