Reform

The Independent are continuing to run with their campaign for electoral reform. John Curtice writes a thought provoking piece in today's paper outlining why the debate is just beginning.

The biggest problem to be overcome is the inertia any sitting government feels in making reforms which could reduce its majority in parliament. They don't really care about fairness or balance they just want power.

The omens are not good so far. Blair promised he would take electoral reform seriously in the 1997 manifesto and has done nothing. He promised further reform of the House of Lords in this year's manifesto, but those plans have already taken a back seat so that ID cards, possibly the most illiberal and undemocratic piece of legislation in my life, can get through.

Respect seems to be the main message of the queen's speech, respect for the law and for ones fellows. Coming from the man who showed no respect for international law or the 2 million Britons who marched against his war in Iraq am I the only person who cannot take him seriously? I'm sure TB will say he is looking forward to this new term and pushing forward his 'bold' agenda. I hope he's up for a struggle. There is a mood of dissent in the air. People are finding their voices and realising where power really lies. We should be setting the agenda. The government needs reminding that they work for us. I can't help thinking that he'll get the message sooner or later.