Only people power can save us from populism | Letters
In a thought-provoking piece, Peter Loschi argues that the effectiveness of democratic safeguards hinges on the active engagement and will of the populace. He references Timothy Garton Ash’s recent suggestions for preventing the rise of extremism, which include robust checks and balances inspired by Enlightenment thinkers. However, Loschi contends that these measures, while theoretically sound, can be easily undermined by authoritarian figures, as demonstrated by Donald Trump’s disregard for established norms during his presidency. This raises a crucial point: laws and regulations designed to protect democracy are only as strong as the public’s commitment to uphold them. If citizens are apathetic or disengaged, even the most well-crafted safeguards will falter.
Loschi proposes an innovative solution to invigorate democratic processes: replacing the House of Lords with a citizens’ assembly composed of a randomly selected, representative cross-section of the population. This assembly would refresh its membership every six months, ensuring a constant influx of diverse perspectives and reducing the risks of entrenched interests. This idea echoes calls from other commentators, such as Roger Heppleston, who advocates for comprehensive reforms within the British political system to enhance accountability and responsiveness. The underlying message is clear: for democracy to thrive, it must be a living, breathing entity driven by the active participation of its citizens. Letters from readers like Rob Hunter, Peter Buckman, and Dr. Piers Brendon further enrich the discourse, highlighting the urgent need for reform and the importance of fostering a politically engaged society capable of safeguarding its own democratic principles.
Democratic safeguards won’t work unless they’re backed by the will of the people, argues
Peter Loschi
,
while
Roger Heppleston
calls for wholesale reform of the British political system. Plus letters from
Rob Hunter
,
Peter Buckman
and
Dr Piers Brendon
Timothy Garton Ash has produced an excellent list of safeguards against extremism (
My guide to populist-proofing your democracy – before it’s too late, 25 November
). Unfortunately, they don’t work in the long term. The finest minds of the Enlightenment devised the checks and balances of the US constitution, and an authoritarian like Donald Trump brushed them aside in two minutes.
Laws and regulations to guarantee good government only work if the people want them to. If they’re not bothered, then no amount of safeguarding is of much use. We could replace the House of Lords with a citizens’ assembly, comprising a randomly chosen cross-section of the public, with membership changing every six months.
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