Jo calls for debate on voter engagement

10.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 26th Jun 2009

Jo Swinson MP has called for a debate in Parliament about using new technology to engage the public in the political process.

Speaking in the House of Commons yesterday, Jo asked the Leader of the House, Harriet Harman, to allow MPs to hold a debate about how new technologies can be used to keep the public informed about and involved in the work of Parliament.

Commenting, Jo Swinson said:

"Parliament is just beginning to takes some steps forward in using technology to engage the public, such as setting up a Parliamentary YouTube channel and allowing the public to follow the progress of new bills on the Parliament website, but there is much more that can be done.

"I have already made suggestions as to how Parliament could make itself more accessible, such as allowing clips of debates to be put on YouTube, and a full debate in the House of Commons would allow much more in depth discussion of the possibilities. Voluntary groups such as Unlock Democracy are doing a fantastic job of helping people to engage in politics online, and it is high time Parliament caught up with them and began to lead the way."

Notes:

Jo Swinson recently submitted a response to a House of Lords inquiry on voter engagement. You can view her video response here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmYSg8gET70

More information about Unlock Democracy can be found here:

http://www.unlockdemocracy.org.uk/