Virtual conference to take power to the people

9.18.44pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 3rd Aug 2006

As Parliament shuts its doors for the summer recess, Liberal Democrat Peer, Lord (Paul) Tyler, has launched a cross-party initiative which aims to stimulate political debate through an online conference.

The 'virtual' conference, which is especially aimed at engaging young people of all political persuasions, will take as its basis the recent report of the Power Inquiry, which was a thorough exploration and analysis of the features and failures of British democracy.

The conference has support from across the political spectrum, including an endorsement from Liberal Democrat Leader, Sir Menzies Campbell.

The 'conference' will be an online forum, where individuals will be able to discuss important political issues. The first discussions will run from 6th September until 6th October, which is the traditional party conference season.

Several high-profile politicians are expected to take part in the discussions. Names will be announced shortly.

Citizens of all ages can listen to Paul Tyler's podcast on the Taking Power initiative and register to have their say when the conference gets underway in September at http://www.takingpower.org

Commenting, Lord Tyler said "It is alarming that so few young people choose to vote. Yet we know that this crucial age group are by no means apathetic.

"This conference is about finding out how our politics needs to change to engage their interest in the democratic and parliamentary process.

"Should we, for example, enable people to vote at 16, elect our representatives using a new voting system or make the House of Lords more democratic? How can our political institutions be made to listen to the people?"