"Lady Kent," the Chief Justice presiding over the hearing spoke steadily, "the 'Local Governance and Basic Rights Charter Draft' submitted by you and the 'English Congress' you represent... is quite innovative. But the Committee has noticed that many of its clauses, such as the 'community's direct review of local public service budgets' and 'elected Police Chief,' significantly conflict with our country's existing constitutional conventions and the Westminster System. How do you explain this... fundamental deviation?"

The question was sharp and typical. Sara took a deep breath. She didn't recite from the prepared script but instead looked at the tired faces of the ordinary people in the audience — those were the dozens of witnesses she had brought from different communities.

"Your Honor, rather than saying 'deviation,' it would be more accurate to say 'response.'" Her voice spread through the amplifier, somewhat hoarse yet clear, "The current system has been operating for hundreds of years, but whose needs does it respond to? Is it the management of the Sun Never Sets Empire or the decay of post-industrial rust belt towns? Is it the prosperity of London Financial City or the never-ending surgery waiting lists at Birmingham Hospital?"

A slight commotion arose from the audience, with some nodding and others frowning.

"The clauses we propose are not the fantasies of a legal professor."

Sara continued, in an increasingly emphatic tone, "They come from real discussions over the past six months in hundreds of communities, in kitchen meetings, and in union halls across England. When people can't even influence the budget for fixing a pothole in front of their home, talking about 'national sovereignty' is hollow. When the police ignore community drug issues yet are keen on dispersing peaceful gatherings, 'law and order' becomes a joke."

A committee member who was also a law professor adjusted his glasses and interrupted, "Lady Kent, emotional appeals cannot replace legal reasoning. Over-decentralization can lead to administrative inefficiency, inconsistent standards, and even corruption. The 'direct democracy' practices in some United States states have already proven this point."

"That's why we did not copy the American model." Sara met his gaze, "We learned from Switzerland's cantons, Germany's municipalities, and Northern Europe's civic participation, combined with England's actual situation. The draft includes detailed checks and balances: community budget proposals must undergo professional auditing, elected Police Chiefs must pass independent qualification review committees, and major decisions still require local council votes. What we want is not anarchy but to bring power closer to the people it affects."

She paused, picking up a thick stack of bound documents at hand: "This is Appendix Three, containing detailed reports and data from seventeen pilot communities that have implemented 'participatory budgeting' and 'community policing joint meetings' over the past three months. The data shows a 40% average speed increase in public facility repairs, increased trust in the police, and a decrease in minor security incidents. If the committee members are willing, we can provide more complete materials."

Applause broke out from the ranks of the "English Congress" below but was quickly stopped by the staff. The committee members exchanged glances. The level of preparation by Sara was beyond their expectations. This wasn't empty rhetoric, but a concrete alternative backed by practical data.

The Chief Justice pondered for a moment: "We will review the data. But there is a fundamental question: How do you define the source of power of the 'England Parliament' proposed in your draft and its relationship with the existing British Parliament? This touches on the fundamental constitutional structure of the United Kingdom."

This question was crucial. Sara knew that many on the committee were not truly concerned about the merits of local governance but rather whether the new power center would completely replace the old one.

"We have no intention of rebuilding another Westminster on the ruins." Sara's voice slowed, but each word was articulated clearly, "'England Parliament' should be formed from the bottom up, representing an alliance of England's regions and communities, not another centralized machine in London. It should have a peer negotiating relationship with the Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland Parliaments, and its division of authority with the restructured 'United Council' requires detailed negotiation. This is precisely why we need a written constitution—to replace vague conventions and persistent quarrels with clear rules."

She looked towards the always silent retired union leader member: "Just like when unions and employers negotiated, without a written agreement, the strong always find ways to erode the rights of the weak. What the people of England need now is a clearly written agreement."

The old union leader moved slightly but said nothing. The shadow behind him was long.

The hearing lasted for two hours. Sara answered countless tricky questions, sometimes citing data, sometimes telling specific community stories. When she finally stepped down from the speaking platform, her back was soaked with sweat.

Allen waited for her in the corner of the corridor, handing her a bottle of water: "You did well. They didn't expect us to be so well-prepared. Especially that pilot report disrupted many people's rhythm."

"But they won't give in easily." Sara took a big gulp of water, "There will be more procedural obstacles. I've heard they are drafting a 'revised draft,' which will dilute many of our core clauses into 'principle declarations' without any binding force."

"As expected." Allen said calmly, "So, the next phase isn't about the hearing—it's about public opinion and the streets. Turn today's hearing highlights—especially the fact that we presented data while they were entangled with legal texts—into concise infographics, and distribute through community networks and friendly media. Meanwhile, simultaneously start the community primaries for 'shadow candidates' in Birmingham, Liverpool, and Leeds. Regardless of official recognition, we will first elect. Use facts to show people that another form of politics is possible."