Political trust is essential to a well-functioning democracy, but it has declined sharply in the United Kingdom over recent decades. Voters are losing faith in the key institutions central to democracy, most notably parliament. People must feel that they have influence in the collective decision-making endeavour that is democracy. Fixing this is essential, not only to the task of making politics more equal and fairer but also to the vital mission of restoring faith and trust in politics as a force for good. 

At present, the populist right is seeking to further capitalise on the lack of trust in politicians and parliament, advancing constitutional reform agendas that would consolidate power in fewer hands, weaken democratic law-making, and strip away vital checks and balances. 

Progressives cannot fail to respond to this and be left behind and, more damagingly, risk becoming the defenders of institutions that have plainly not been perceived to be delivering for citizens. Progressives must recover their interest in collective action when it comes to the ways in which our democratic institutions operate. 

To democratise law-making and rebuild political trust – this report makes the case for action in three key areas:

1. rebuilding trust in lawmakers
2. rebuilding trust in law-making institutions
3. extending the role of citizens in law-making.