Tories want more public input in decision-making

William Hague wants citizens to play an active role in the policy decision-making process

Shadow foreign secretary William Hague has today outlined the Tories' plans for public participation in policy.

In a rallying speech at the Conservative Party Conference, Hague slammed prime minister Gordon Brown for failings in his Labour government and painted a picture of a radical new Britain under a rejuvenated leadership.

He told delegates that not only would there be happier pensioners and nicer hospitals, but citizens could expect to play an active role in the policy decision-making process.

Hague outlined proposals to make the government more transparent and get UK citizens more involved in the policy decision-making process. He said that if in power, the Conservatives would publish details of any spending over £25,000, police reports - including crime statistics, and proposals for new policy online, throwing them open to public scrutiny and input.

He explained that the Tories would, "begin a consultation on a new and radical policy to throw open the doors of parliament by introducing into the passage of legislation a public reading stage, using modern technology to allow the public to give their comments on the details of proposed new laws before those details are settled".

"Our democracy can only gain from the greater involvement of its citizens, and our country will surely gain from bringing to the 21st century the enduring power of the great Conservative theme of ‘trust the people’."

In order to help it become more open the Conservative Party has hired Tom Steinberg, the man behind the mySociety family of web sites.

In his blog Steinberg showed his commitment to the cause.

"I have enjoyed advising this government, and I look forward to advising the next. And to harassing and prodding when advice isn't enough. And when there's another new government after that I hope very much to do the same with it, too. And so on, until they carry me out in a box."