• NO thanks to the Conservative pledge to hold a referendum-style vote on every major policy.

We have been there, got the T-shirt and know the division it breeds.

We don’t need one side pitted against another and there are more than two sides to an issue.

We need people to talk to one another again, to move towards a different way of decision-making based on collaboration, discussion, empathy and consensus.

We don’t need arguing, we don’t need debate.

We need deliberation where people really listen to one another and strive to find the best option for the community.

It involves people from different walks of life in the community coming together.

To ensure it is not the usual suspects they are randomly selected like for a jury, a further random selection taking place to make sure the diversity of the community is represented.

They hear wide-ranging evidence, break into small groups and discuss what they have heard, how it affects them and the community at large.

They listen to each other and deliberate together – a process of talking, exploring feelings and understanding other people have different views, feelings or opinions and finding common ground in the best interests of everyone. They make informed decisions.

There are various deliberative, participatory democracy methods, ranging from the citizens’ advisory groups, citizens’ juries, citizens’ panels, citizens’ summits and the citizens’ assemblies.

Labour draw attention to the citizens’ assemblies they have held which were not up to the expected standards.

How many people have heard about them?

How independent from the council were they and have the recommendations been actioned?

If we in the community don’t know, it hasn’t done its job. Sub-standard citizens’ assemblies are not the answer either.

Now is the time to move towards a really inclusive, thoughtful and collaborative way of making the decisions that affect all our lives.

KATHIE CONN, NW3