Constitution, Democracy and Human Rights Commission

Lord Young of Cookham Excerpts

Thursday 14th January 2021 Lords Chamber

Asked by

[Lord Young of Cookham]

To ask Her Majesty’s Government when they plan to establish the Constitution, Democracy and Human Rights Commission.

[The Minister of State, Cabinet Office (Lord True) (Con)]

My Lords, the Government remain absolutely committed to looking at the broader aspects of the constitution and the relationship between the Government, Parliament and the courts, as pledged in our manifesto. We are taking forward the work via a range of work- streams, some of which have already been announced, such as the Independent Review of Administrative Law. Others will be announced in due course.

[Lord Young of Cookham (Con)]

My Lords, our manifesto said:

“In our first year we will set up a Constitution, Democracy & Rights Commission.”


This was confirmed on 29 January last year, when the noble Earl, Lord Howe, said:

“We will set up the commission within this Government’s first year. Further announcements will be made in due course.”—[Official Report, 29/1/20; col. 1437.]


Since then, silence. But the Library tells me that the Government have established seven other independent reviews and one public inquiry. So, for the fourth time, I ask the Government for a debate in which they set out their emerging thoughts and your Lordships set out their priorities. We can then move forward on a broad basis of support that commands public confidence.