Nick Clegg outlines plans for political reform: Speech

Nick Clegg outlines plans for political reform: Speech; ENGLAND: London: City and Islington College:INTNick Clegg MP (Deputy Prime Minister) speech SOT- I have spent my whole political life fighting to open up politics. So I'd like to make one thing very clear: This government is going to be unlike any other. This government is going to transform our politics so the state has far less control over you, and you have far more control over the state. This government is going to break up concentrations of power and hand power back to people, because that is quite simply how we can build a society that is fair. This government is going to persuade you to put your faith in politics once again. I'm not talking about a few new rules for MPs; Not the odd gesture or gimmick here or there to make you feel a bit more involved. I'm talking about the most significant programme of empowerment by a British government since the great reforms of the 19th Century. The biggest shake up of our democracy since 1832, when the Great Reform Act redrew the boundaries of British democracy, for the first time extending the franchise beyond the landed classes. Landmark legislation, from politicians who refused to sit back and do nothing while huge swathes of the population remained helpless against vested interests. Who stood up for the freedom of the many, not the privilege of the few.And it's that spirit this government will draw on as we deliver our programme for political reform: A power revolution. A fundamental resettlement of the relationship between state and citizen that puts you in charge. Today I want to talk about how we'll get there. Three major steps, that will begin immediately: One: we will repeal all of the intrusive and unnecessary laws that inhibit your freedom. Two: we will reform our politics so it is open, transparent, decent. Three: we will radically redistribute power away from the centre, into your communities, your homes, ...