Virtual conference to take power to the people

10.19.23pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 6th Sep 2006

Today Liberal Democrat Leader Sir Menzies Campbell and Liberal Democrat Peer Lord (Paul) Tyler, launch a cross-party 'virtual conference', aimed at re-engaging people with the political process. Hundreds of people, particularly students, have already registered for the on-line conference.

Commenting, Sir Menzies Campbell said "It should be of real concern to all of us that there are 17 million people in this country who did not vote in the last general election.

"With successive generations turning their backs on conventional politics in ever greater numbers, our participatory democracy is beginning to lack participants.

"This year the POWER Commission has reported on its mission to identify practical ways of reconnecting voters with the political process. Its work has been invaluable, and is all the more credible for the non-partisan ways it recommends reconnecting voters with the political process.

"I am therefore particularly pleased to launch Taking Power, which goes live today. From now until October 6th - while party enthusiasts are gathering for their respective conferences - we will aim to gather people electronically to debate issues raised by the POWER report.

"The opportunity to involve people outside the Westminster bubble and help to breathe new life into political debate in the UK is simply too big to pass up."

Commenting further, Conference Convener, Lord Tyler said "With this list of cross-party contributors, we hope to involve people of all ages and political persuasions."

People who will take part in the debate include Sir Menzies Campbell (Liberal Democrat Leader), Michael Meacher MP (Former Labour Minister), Billy Bragg (singer/songwriter, political campaigner), Sir George Young MP (Former Conservative Secretary of State) and John Bercow MP (Conservative).