We are constitutional lawyers, business leaders, academics, politicians, campaigners, and citizens hailing from across the political spectrum. We are united by our shared concern for the state of our democratic constitution, the rule of law, human rights, and fundamental values.

Our democracy cannot be taken for granted. It is all of our responsibility, as citizens, to protect and nurture it. Questions of devolution and independence, the role of parliament and the courts, and civil rights all come down to democratic and constitutional issues. Fundamental values like free speech, which should unite us, are increasingly seen through a hyper-partisan prism.

As a nation we are only as strong as our democratic constitution. Any compromise of that impacts across our society, economy, and standing in the world. From the downgrade of our national credit rating, to criticism at the United Nations, and the threat of proceedings before international courts, we are already seeing the impacts of this.

We are concerned that out national debate is not fit for purpose. We need a more robust and informed conversation, but this is frustrated by a lack of connection between politicians, citizens, and constitutional experts. Constitutional issues seem remote and inaccessible for too many people.  

That is why we support the founding of the Institute for Constitutional and Democratic Research, a non-partisan educational charity dedicated to raising the standard of our national debate. The ICDR will bring together people from across political lines, professional disciplines, and socio-economic backgrounds to do three things: Advise legislators and officials at all levels of government (including acting as secretariat to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Democracy and the Constitution).  Empower citizens to engage with constitutional issues through public education and resources. Lead new thinking by providing a platform for the nation’s best minds to independently address our most pressing constitutional challenges.

The ICDR will be non-partisan, fully transparent, and open to all. Anyone can join the Institute and participate in its work and events.

Signed:

Professor Merris Amos, Queen Mary University of London

Professor Kenneth Armstrong, University of Cambridge

Professor Eugenio Biagini, University of Cambridge

Richard Booth QC, 1 Crown Office Row

Lisa Busch QC, Cornerstone Barristers

Melanie Carter, Bates Wells LLP

Daisy Cooper MP

Dr Luke Cooper, LSE

Philip Coppel QC, Cornerstone Barristers

Professor Paul Craig, University of Oxford

Geraint Davies MP

Jonathan Djanogly MP

Sam Fowles, Cornerstone Barristers

James Goudie QC, 11 KBW

Tony Grace

Kate Harrison, Harrison Grant

Professor Eric Heinze, Queen Mary University of London

Stephen Hockman QC, Six Pump Court

Ryan Kohli, Cornerstone Barristers

Tina Kothari, Anotherway Associates

Mishcon de Reya (collectively)

Elaine Motion, Balfour and Manson

John Nicolson MP

Aidan O’Neill QC, Matrix Chambers

Lord Pannick QC, Blackstone Chambers

George Peretz QC, Monkton Chambers

Jessica Simor QC, Matrix Chambers

Daniel Stilitz QC, 11 Kings Bench Walk

Alana Rae, Mercer

Professor Philippe Sands QC, Matrix Chambers and UCL

Dr Christopher Stanley, KRW Law

Lord Wallace of Saltaire

Peter Ware, Browne Jacobson LLP

David Welsh, Axiom Advocates