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1/8
The UK is a Representative Democracy.
However, it requires the acceptance & continuity of certain conventions to survive.
Among them is the need for both majorities/minorities to have trust in the integrity/authority of the institutions which are mandated to represent them.
The UK is a Representative Democracy.
However, it requires the acceptance & continuity of certain conventions to survive.
Among them is the need for both majorities/minorities to have trust in the integrity/authority of the institutions which are mandated to represent them.
2/8
The majority needs to understand it cannot act as if minorities do not exist, and there's a responsibility to act for the common good.
In turn, it requires minorities to trust they are not being ignored or suppressed, to ensure peaceful opposition.
It also requires, as
The majority needs to understand it cannot act as if minorities do not exist, and there's a responsibility to act for the common good.
In turn, it requires minorities to trust they are not being ignored or suppressed, to ensure peaceful opposition.
It also requires, as
3/8
Edmund Burke argued, Representatives to act on the basis of their own judgement, rather than carry out the instructions of others, and for the populace to trust them to do so.
I believe we have a crisis of all of the above.
Particularly on the critical issue of trust.
Edmund Burke argued, Representatives to act on the basis of their own judgement, rather than carry out the instructions of others, and for the populace to trust them to do so.
I believe we have a crisis of all of the above.
Particularly on the critical issue of trust.
4/8
By no reasonable measure was the Leave victory emphatic or overwhelming, but it created a situation whereby 52% believe they ARE the nation. The 48% & others, do not exist.
Not only that, they believe that marginal mandate gives them authorisation to dictate to Parliamentary
By no reasonable measure was the Leave victory emphatic or overwhelming, but it created a situation whereby 52% believe they ARE the nation. The 48% & others, do not exist.
Not only that, they believe that marginal mandate gives them authorisation to dictate to Parliamentary
5/8
Representatives exactly how they should act, irrespective of the fact our Representatives have a duty of care for the whole population, not just a specific political movement.
Where the checks & balances within our Constitution would normally kick in, Government & Parliament
Representatives exactly how they should act, irrespective of the fact our Representatives have a duty of care for the whole population, not just a specific political movement.
Where the checks & balances within our Constitution would normally kick in, Government & Parliament
6/8
acting together for the common good, the Executive has instead actively undermined trust in the principles of Representative democracy.
It's done so, by demanding Representatives act as delegates to both the ruling Party and the 'majority', which the Executive
acting together for the common good, the Executive has instead actively undermined trust in the principles of Representative democracy.
It's done so, by demanding Representatives act as delegates to both the ruling Party and the 'majority', which the Executive
7/8
perceives as the support base it requires to stay in power.
In effect, for reasons of self-preservation, it's licensed that support base to challenge the sovereignty of Parliament, disregarding the long-term consequences, for short-term political gain.
The integrity and
perceives as the support base it requires to stay in power.
In effect, for reasons of self-preservation, it's licensed that support base to challenge the sovereignty of Parliament, disregarding the long-term consequences, for short-term political gain.
The integrity and
8/8
perhaps, survival of our Representative Democracy, relies on enough MP's recognising the danger, and doing whatever it takes to protect both our Constitution, and by extension, the Crown they are sworn to serve.
perhaps, survival of our Representative Democracy, relies on enough MP's recognising the danger, and doing whatever it takes to protect both our Constitution, and by extension, the Crown they are sworn to serve.
