Is public debate really the best way to manage the big and complex issues of our time? The call for public debate is the government's get-out clause in a crisis. However, even if such a debate were possible, it is not the best way to tackle difficult and contentious environmental issues. If public decision-making is to become more consensual and efficient, the three streams of public life, i.e. government, stakeholders and the wider public, need to be more integrated. The Integrated Policy Design and Delivery Process plan provides a way forward. Political, stakeholder and public streams are integrated into a deep and wide engagement process and build credibility, understanding and creativity into the decision-making processes. Only with dialogue at the heart of the decision-making process can we make effective progress.