Trust in politics
In January 2010, the Centre for Citizenship, Globalisation and Governance partnered with the Political Studies Association and the Hansard Society to hold a workshop focused on one of the most pressing questions in contemporary British politics: political trust and its apparent decline amongst the public.
A range of scholars, journalists and commentators attended the event, and a pamphlet has just been produced exploring the range of issues examined and some of the conclusions drawn. Questions about trust in politics, parliament and politicians will not disappear once the 2010 general election is over – this publication points towards some of the things that academics, commentators, and politicians themselves can begin to do to think about and address this key issue.
Dr Alix Kelso of C2G2, said,
'In any future debate about the role of politicians and Parliament the academic research community has a key part to play in ensuring that its findings are better disseminated to the wider world in order to improve the context of that public debate. Researchers across the country are doing important and valuable work exploring, for example, the role of trust in public life, how the public view ethical standards in politics, the efficacy of parliament, and the nature of modern citizenship. The findings of this research can help better inform debate about the public's understanding of the MP's role, and help ensure that politicians focus on what may make the most difference in improving public attitudes to politics and Parliament in the future.'
More details are available on the Hansard Society website.