A democratic perspective upon Gordon Brown's constitution speech to the 
Commons 3rd July 2007

As a group campaigning for the introduction of partial direct democracy, 
we have commented on Gordon Brown's constitution speech, replying to a 
section about involvement of citizens in public affairs. According to 
the BBC, he said

"While our system of representative democracy - local as well as 
national - is at the heart of our constitution, it can be enhanced by 
devolving more power directly to the people and I propose we start the 
debate and consult on empowering citizens and communities in four areas.
First, powers of initiative, extending the right of the British people 
to intervene with their elected local representatives to ensure action - 
through a new community right to call for action and new duties on 
public bodies to involve local people."

 At http://www.iniref.org/blog.html
we cite and reply to Brown's "four areas" about "empowering citizens and 
communities".