Early reports from the House of the People (Day One) indicate that economic inequality and wealth redistribution are top priorities for the UK public. Today saw day one of three for the inaugral sitting of this groundbreaking democratic institution. 100 civilian delegates, selected by lottery from across the UK, are taking part to create an independent grassroots mandate for political action. [1]
Today, the House of the People delegates reviewed and discussed the outcomes of 75 Local Assemblies held over the past year, which have engaged 3,000 people in 35 neighbourhoods. It made use of Dembrane’s Echo, a cutting-edge LLM listening technology that records conversations before processing and summarising them into actionable insights. [2]
It’s being proposed that a national Assembly with participants regularly selected by a democratic lottery (like the House of the People) should replace the House of Lords to better hold the Commons to account and create fairer legislation.
Responding to the question “What change do you want to see in the UK?”, here are the top five overarching themes, details, and key quotes that emerged:
1. Economic Inequality and Wealth Redistribution
• Widespread calls for addressing “the gap between rich and poor,” fairer taxation, redistribution of wealth, and an end to poverty.
• Multiple tables mentioned the need to “tax the rich”, stop “hoarding of wealth,” and ensure everyone’s basic needs are met.
“I would like to see a more equal and just economic system where people aren’t left at the bottom in poverty”
“It’s difficult to ignore… all the evils seem to be in the interest of people who have enough, wanting more.”
2. Community, Social Connection, and Empowerment
• Many participants emphasized rebuilding community bonds, empowering local action, and reclaiming a sense of collective agency.
• There was concern about isolation, loneliness, and the erosion of community structures.
“Community as a lens through which we view all policy… how does this build community?”
“Quality of opportunity… actually, to your point, being in different geographies is like a lottery as well.”
3. Democracy, Representation, and Structural Political Change
• Strong desire for a more participatory, fair, and representative political system: e.g., proportional representation, people’s assemblies, direct democracy.
• Critiques of “career politicians,” “corrupt” political processes, and distance between citizens and government decisions.
“We have to change the voting system from first past the post to some form of proportional representation.”
“We need to help hold politicians accountable… start building our own table and eventually establishing a house that refuses to be ignored.”
4. Climate Action, Environment, and Nature
• Calls for bold climate action, investment in renewables, protection of nature, and long-term policies to address environmental crisis.
• The connection between the environment, health, and well-being also surfaced repeatedly.
“Put nature and love at the front of absolutely everything.”
“Planning, of course, would be the thing that would, for me, be most important — climate change, biodiversity loss…”
5. Media, Information, and Public Discourse
• Deep distrust in mainstream media, recognition of media manipulation, and the need for more truthful, accessible, and independent news.
• Concern that media ownership and narrative shape public perception and undermine democracy.
“The change I believe is the most important thing is to change the structure of the media.”
Other frequently mentioned cross-cutting issues were:
• Education reform (especially values-based and civic education)
• Housing and public services (NHS, transport, childcare)
• Empathy, kindness, and mutual respect regarding social divisions
Molly May-Shelton, one of the event’s convenors, remarked at a plenary session:
“What do you want to see in the People’s Charter? The People’s Charter is the main reason you’re all here. It is the declaration that will come out of this 3 day sitting, decided by you. A bold, alternative vision for the UK.”
“The People’s Charter will be a new mandate for government: a mandate that doesn’t come from Westminster, or the media, or big donors — but from you. From the people. We of course don’t know the contents of the Charter yet – you are all here to shape it over the next 3 days”
Tomorrow, Monday 21st July, will see a panel of 10 leading experts join the 100 civilian delegates to offer expert advice on the following topics: Climate breakdown, corruption, democracy, genocide in Gaza, finance, tax, economy, and conservation. These experts include IPCC lead author Richard Betts MBE and Steve Keen – the world-famous economist noted for predicting the 2008 economic crash years in advance. Read more about them here. [3]
Tuesday 22nd of July will be the final day, creating the ultimate outcome – the National Charter. A large coalition of groups is already coming together to take action in support of the National Charter, including dissenting Lords, major trade unions, Just Stop Oil, Youth Demand, Greenpeace, and Extinction Rebellion.
Members of the public who wish to observe can obtain free tickets here. Members of the press can email [email protected] for a press pass. [4]
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Notes to Editors
[1] Assemble is part of the Umbrella movement which includes Just Stop Oil and Youth Demand. The group endorsed 26 independent candidates in the general election, including Shockat Adam and Andrew Feinstein.
The group is building a alternative home for the voice of the country, by inviting members of the public from all backgrounds and places to carefully consider the evidence and reach decisions on the biggest issues of our time, including the UK’s approach to the climate crisis, genocide, and poverty.[
[2] https://www.dembrane.com/en-US/products/echo
[3] https://timetoassemble.org/experts-panel-for-house-of-the-people-includes-richard-betts-mbe-steve-keen-sarah-chaye-and-others/
[4] https://www.eventbrite.com/e/house-of-the-people-public-viewing-tickets-free-limited-availability-tickets-1481652866609?aff=oddtdtcreator
Great work