Moreover the results in Hastings (where labour gained a seat) show that efforts locally can buck national trends.

We have freedom of speech and religion, unregulated media, an independent judiciary and range of other institutions which protect us and ensure our liberty and that of future generations.

However, democracy has always been an imperfect beast and we must always strive to change things for the better. I have just been elected to Chair the pre-legislative Committee for the new Constitutional Renewal Bill which the Government intends to present to Parliament in the next session.

The cross party Committee, which does not have a Government majority, has been asked to review the Government's proposals on War Powers, Demonstrations outside Parliament, the Powers of the Attorney General and Appointment of the Judiciary. The main Purpose of the proposed Bill is to rebalance the relationship between Government and Parliament.

Should the Government be able to take the nation to war without having a vote in the House of Commons and if so should that vote be a free vote? Did you know that the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts were the first to be put to a parliamentary vote? Every preceding conflict from the Boer War to the Falklands was done purely through the Executive and MPs were never given an opportunity to vote on the decisions.

Currently anyone who wishes to protest in parliament must submit a request to the metropolitan Police. To my knowledge every application has been granted but is it right that people should even have to ask for the right to voice their protest outside Parliament?

I am genuinely excited about this Bill and the potential for reforming the current balance of power and responsibility between Parliament and Government.

This is a great opportunity to reinvigorate and energise our democratic system and everyone has a vested interest in making their voices heard. Our Committee has published a call for evidence – anyone interested in contributing can find further details online http://www.parliament.uk/parliamentary_committees/jcdcrb.cfm and should submit any contributions by 12th June.

Every single person in Hastings and Rye has a vested interest in the outcome of this Bill as it will affect the workings of our Democracy. I urge everyone with an interest to "get involved".