UK written constitution imminent?

According to Open Democracy Our Kingdom

Jack Straw leader of the House of Commons and Gordon Brown’s campaign manager has come out for a written constitution

and

In his [Jack Straw's] brief conclusion he said he was now convinced a written constitution was needed to ensure good citizenship.

These words suggest that the Government’s idea of a written constitution is just another opportunity to tell us how the Government thinks we should behave. In other words, obligations not rights.

But why doesn’t Jack Straw and, presumably, George Brown give us something we actually want ie. useful and constructive rights which will enable the public to help make their lives better?

If we really are to have a written constitution, let’s include the right by the public to have a direct say in their own government through e-democracy.

Official Downing Street discussion forums where the public could use their collective intelligence to solve the big issues of today would be a genuine step forward and indicate a willingness to undergo constructive change by Brown’s prospective Government.

Jack Straw and George Brown should set up these forums so that we can discuss the rights we actually want as opposed to the complicated morass of restrictions that even lawyers have great difficulty understanding these days, let alone the people.

Submitting a proposed written constitution to forensic public discussion would show that Straw and Brown actually care about finding real solutions to real problems.

Let’s get tough on the causes of bad government! Start by genuinely talking to the people.

What do you think?

Rob