General

Only people power can save us from populism | Letters

In a thought-provoking discussion on democratic safeguards, Peter Loschi emphasizes that such measures are only effective when they are genuinely supported by the populace. He references Timothy Garton Ash’s recent insights on protecting democracy from extremism, highlighting that while the safeguards outlined are essential, they can easily be undermined if the public lacks the will to uphold them. Loschi draws a parallel to the United States, where the carefully constructed checks and balances of the Constitution were swiftly disregarded by former President Donald Trump, illustrating that laws alone cannot sustain democracy without a committed citizenry.

Loschi suggests innovative reforms, such as replacing the House of Lords with a citizens’ assembly made up of a randomly selected cross-section of the public. This assembly would refresh its membership every six months, ensuring that it remains representative of the population’s evolving views and concerns. Such a system could invigorate democratic participation and accountability, fostering a more engaged citizenry that actively supports and defends democratic principles.

In contrast, Roger Heppleston advocates for a more comprehensive reform of the British political system. He argues that the current structures are outdated and fail to address the needs of modern society. Letters from readers like Rob Hunter, Peter Buckman, and Dr. Piers Brendon further enrich the conversation, offering diverse perspectives on the necessity of reform and the potential paths forward. Together, these voices underscore a critical moment in the discourse on democracy, urging a collective re-evaluation of how democratic systems can be fortified against the rise of extremism and apathy.