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British values and democratic engagement investigated by Committee

12 September 2017

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The Committee on Citizenship and Civic Engagement takes evidence from witnesses who have previously worked for, or currently work for organisations which seek to encourage cohesion and civic engagement in the UK in its second public evidence session. 

Witnesses

Wednesday 13 September, Committee Room 3, Palace of Westminister

At 10.40am 

  • Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari, former General Secretary of the Muslim Council of Britain
  • Dr Jill Rutter, Director of Strategy and Relationships, British Future
  • David Goodhart, Head of the Integration Hub at Policy Exchange

At 11.30am

  • Michael Sani, Chief Executive, Bite the Ballot
  • Ashok Viswanathan, Deputy Director, Operation Black Vote
  • Professor Jon Tonge, Professor of Politics at the University of Liverpool
  • Matteo Bergamini, Founder and Director, Shout Out UK

Areas of questioning

Areas the Committee may cover with the first set of witnesses include:

  • The Government's definition of Fundamental British Values
  • Whether mutual respect and tolerance can be combined with shared values within society
  • The Government's role in promoting shared values

The second set of witnesses may be asked about:

  • The current state of democratic engagement in the UK
  • Whether this could be improved through reforms to electoral law
  • Whether engagement with the democratic process should be seen as a responsibility of citizenship
  • The concept of the 'civic journey', such as a ceremony celebrating a citizens' first vote
  • Whether a lack of integration hinders democratic engagement

Further information

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