Labour to canvass electorate for “the big issue”
The Labour government is to canvass the public for their views on what they think will be the most critical issues in the run up to the next general election.
In a party political broadcast this evening, on the same day as the Queen’s Speech, viewers will be asked to designate their top priority by telephone or by visiting Labour’s “big conversation” website, www.bigconversation.org.uk.
In the broadcast, thirteen-year old actress Jordan Palmer beseeches voters to give their views to “the man at the top.”
She says: “Don’t you want to tell the man at the top how we can make our future even better? I do.
“Well Mr Blair, what are you going to do to make our future better?”
Mr Blair replies: “Well, you can come and sit down and we’ll have a talk about it.”
He later says: “Britain is changing for the better. The economy is strong, schools and hospitals are improving. Crime is falling.
“But I know we can do even better. Now there are important choices for the future. Choices, not just for politicians, but for all of us.
“So we want to begin a conversation with you about how together we can make the future fair, not just for some, but for everyone.”
The UK-wide consultation will be officially launched on Friday, with the big conversation website due to go live on Wednesday afternoon.
Today, in the Queen’s Speech, the Labour government will set out one of the most contentious legislative programmes to date.
Among the 24 bills being announced, controversial measures on terrorism, asylum and top up university tuition fees are all expected to be included.
But a bill banning hunting with dogs is unlikely to feature.
Peter Hain, Leader of the House of Commons, said there was something for everybody, adding “everybody will be excited” by the legislation planned for the coming year.
A certain vote winner will be Chancellor Gordon Brown’s baby bonds, a measure that pledges to give every new baby up to £500 to start a savings account, accessible on its 18th birthday.
