Key points from Labour’s blueprint for a ‘New Britain’

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Here are some of the key recommendations from the panel, which was led by former prime minister Gordon Brown: – Abolish the ‘indefensible’ House of Lords The commission proposed replacing the unelected Upper Chamber with a “smaller, more representative and democratic” assembly of the nations and regions, although details would be matters for further consultation. – Extra powers for Scotland and Wales, with restored and strengthened devolution in Northern Ireland Scotland would be able to enter into international agreements in relation to devolved matters, the status of MSPs would be bolstered, devolution would get greater constitutional protection and there would be enhanced access to economic support through the British Regional Investment Bank. Wales could get new powers over youth justice and probation, while constitutional protections for devolution and the rights of Members of the Senedd would be extended in a way similar to the Scottish proposals, along with access to British Regional Investment Bank funding. – A new culture of co-operation between the UK Government, England’s regions, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland New, legally-mandated “councils of the nations and regions and of England” will replace the present joint ministerial committees.