Suggestions for The Bell Principles
The Bell Principles are a set of guidelines for UK elected representatives. They were first presented to the Independent Network by Martin Bell at a strategy meeting in September 2009. They were then reviewed by the IN Executive and appropriate changes were made and adopted.
We are aware that many independent candidates and elected politicians support the Bell Principles. However, the IN views them as a living document and they should be reviewed to ensure they reflect the everchanging situation of British politics.
In light of this, we would like to start a discussion on the Bell Principles and ask members of the public to tell us their views. What would you change about the Bell Principles? Is there anything you would add/remove? Do the guidelines go far enough?
Please post your opinions below.
THE BELL PRINCIPLES
We will
•abide wholeheartedly by the spirit and letter of the Seven Principles of Public Life set out by Lord Nolan in 1995: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership
•be guided by considered evidence, our real world experience and expertise, our constituencies and our consciences
•be free from the control of any political party, pressure group or whip
•be non-discriminatory, ethical and committed to pluralism
•make decisions transparently and openly at every stage and level of the political process, enabling people to see how decisions are made and the evidence on which they are based
•listen, consulting our communities constantly and innovatively
•treat political opponents with courtesy and respect, challenging them when we believe they are wrong, and agreeing with them when we believe they are right
•resist abuses of power and patronage and promote democracy at every level
•work with other elected independents as a Group with a chosen spokesperson
•claim expenses, salaries and compensation openly so the public can judge the value for money of our activities.
They're fine, but verbose.
I think they need to be punchier.
The ten commandments are a very good example of what I mean.
Can the Bell principles be whittled down to something as simple as "Thou shalt always listen", for instance...?
The only principle that is a bit difficult to see to others is
"work with other elected independents as a Group with a chosen spokesperson"
I understand the need for this, but it can be a difficuolt sell to voters as it implies a group, not an independent. Might need some further expansion (e.g. to indicate administrative purposes for example rather than implying a 'politica' grouping)
