The Guardian notes this morning that:

Andy Burnham has said his programme of devolution strengthens the case for a written constitution for the UK, a move that would fundamentally alter the workings of the state that have developed over centuries.

The prime minister has long believed the UK's “antiquated” political system needs a dramatic overhaul if opportunity is to be shared equally across the country.

I have long argued for the need for such a constitution. So, this is a quick summary of what I would include. I stress, this is an opening suggestion. I would refine it with more time.

1. A written constitution

• Define the powers of Parliament, government, the courts and devolved administrations.
• Protect fundamental civil, political, social and environmental rights, and the right to free speech and protest without government constraint.
• Require government to uphold democratic accountability and equality before the law.
• Remove the remaining constitutional roles of the royalty and transfer them to elected politicians.

2. Replace first-past-the-post with proportional representation

• Every vote should count.
• Parliament should reflect how people actually vote.
• End manufactured majorities.

3. Abolish the House of Lords

• End hereditary and appointed legislators.
• Replace it with a democratically legitimate second chamber representing the nations and regions of the UK, with clearly defined constitutional functions rather than a rival to the Commons.

4. Constitutionally protect devolution

• Devolved powers should not be removable by a simple Westminster majority.
• England should also have meaningful regional devolution.

5. Guarantee the right of every nation to choose its future

• Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland should have a constitutional right to hold regular referendums on independence under agreed rules.
• England's constitutional position should also be explicitly defined.

6. A constitutional right to local government

• Local government should exist by constitutional right, not by permission of Parliament.
• Councils should have secure powers, responsibilities, revenue, and sources of borrowing.

7. Restore democratic control over economic policy

• Parliament should determine fiscal and monetary policy.
• The Treasury should become accountable to Parliament for delivering agreed social, economic and environmental objectives.
• Economic policy should not be constrained by self-imposed fiscal rules presented as immutable truths.
• The Bank of England should have its notional independence removed.

8. A constitutional commitment to economic justice

• Government should be required to pursue full employment.
• It should seek to reduce inequality.
• It should provide universal access to healthcare, education, housing and social security.
• Economic success should be judged by outcomes for people, not arbitrary financial targets.

9. Recognise government's monetary powers

• The constitution should acknowledge that a currency-issuing government cannot be treated as if it were a household.
• Public spending decisions should be based on the availability of real resources and inflationary limits, not myths about “running out of money.”

10. Guaranteed transparency

• A constitutional right to government information.
• Strong protections for whistleblowers.
• Open public accounts and beneficial ownership registers for all companies and trusts.

11. Reform political finance and lobbying

• Tight limits on political donations.
• Full transparency over lobbying.
• Restrictions on the revolving door between government and large corporations.

12. Protect the independence of public institutions

• An independent civil service.
• Independent courts.
• Independent electoral administration.
• Independent anti-corruption bodies.
• Public service broadcasters protected from political interference.

13. Constitutional protection for the environment

• A duty on governments to safeguard biodiversity and address climate change.
• The legal requirement to meet net-zero targets by 2050 should be constitutional.
• Recognition that future generations have interests that deserve protection.

14. A constitutional right to participation

• Constitutionally granted rights to public services, including health, education to undergraduate or equivalent level, housing, clean air and water, justice, and environmental protection.
• Stronger rights to petition Parliament.
• Easier mechanisms for public consultation on major legislation.
• The right to call for Citizens' Assemblies and to have their findings considered.

15. The right to redress

• The right to constitutional redress for a government's failure to uphold its duties must be available, with legal funding provided to petitioners.

PDF of article