Introduce a written constitution

The UK is one of a handful of democracies without a written constitution. This leaves our democracy vulnerable to a rogue government that wants to take more power for itself at the expense of the people.  

A written constitution sets out the limits of government power and regulates the relationship between the state and its citizens. It enshrines fundamental rights and freedoms. Without one, a rogue government can ride roughshod over our democratic norms and weaken the safeguards that protect us.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has long supported a written constitution for the UK. He’s called for Britain to "agree a new set of principles and rules for the running of the British state and the rights of its citizens" and to build "a new Britain on the strong foundation of a written constitution."

A written constitution could lay out the roles and responsibility of Government, Parliament, Mayors and local government and much more besides. It’s the best way to make devolution stick - otherwise a future government could take back all the power for itself with a single act of Parliament. 

The Prime Minister should now start a democratic and participatory process that produces a written constitution designed to serve and protect the people.

A written constitution will take time to achieve. In the meantime, there are steps the government can take to reduce the risks posed by our weak constitutional arrangements.

The Prime Minister should ask Cabinet Office ministers to read our report, Democracy on the Brink, produced with the 99% Organisation, Open Britain and others. The report warns of vulnerabilities in the UK’s constitutional system, particularly in the light of how Project 2025 is challenging democracy in the US. It also sets out practical steps that can be taken now to strengthen our democracy. We urge the Cabinet Office to assess the report's findings and work across parties to implement its recommendations.

It is positive that the new Prime Minister supports a written constitution, but we need to see action that turns words into legislation. A written constitution could improve people's everyday lives by protecting rights, reducing inequality, and creating a fairer, more accountable state. Let’s get on with creating one!