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# Today Programme takes out its pencils
- URL: https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/today-programme-takes-out-its-pencils/
- Published: 2007-05-16T08:05:38.000Z
- Updated: 2019-02-14T22:36:08.000Z
- Author: openDemocracy Supporters
- Tags: #en, #Migrated, #Import 2026-04-09 18:23

**Anthony Barnett (London,** [**OK**](http://ourkingdom.opendemocracy.net/2007/05/09/britain-to-have-a-written-constitution/?ref=opendemocracy.net)**):**  This morning's Today programme discussed whether we should have a written constitution. It took as its peg the attempt by Vernon Bogdanor's students to write down what we already have in the Smith Institute publication ([OK'd here](http://ourkingdom.opendemocracy.net/2007/05/08/hot-off-press-call-for-new-settlement/?ref=opendemocracy.net)). Listeners are now emailing in their views on the programme's excellent [bulletin board](http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/mbtoday/F5963509?thread=4159756&ref=opendemocracy.net). Its a healthy exercise but too technical. The spirit of a constitution matters as much as its formal content. Filling in the dots won't do much for democracy - see the important exchange between David Marquand and Tom Nairn - just look below.