A conversation with Michael Wills MP

Anthony Barnett (London, OK): Partnering with ippr, we have started some OurKingdom conversations in their Covent Garden office to discuss why democratic reform matters and how the arguments are best put. They are relaxed, off-the-record gatherings for an hour or so - I hope that other OK style conversations spring up where people can share their thoughts. Yesterday Michael Wills MP, who is the Secretary of State under Jack Straw, opened our discussion. He outlined the government's approach very briefly to a packed table. He'll be setting it out in public at the Futures Britain meeting at the LSE on the 18th July, which OK is also cheering on. I was struck by the way the Minister argued that we are moving into a new stage of constitutional change which he sees as, in many ways, a shift from structural to cultural reform. He emphasised how much this meant the government wanted to engage with interested parties and the wider public. The desire to listen was astounding. As one experienced hand put it, "I think I have to pinch myself". It seems to me that a cultural shift is indeed both most welcome and a priority. But if it happens it is bound, in turn, to demand institutional expression.