Over the last few months I have been in many conversations about the problems we have with democracy in this country, in that it is not democratic. Often people have said to me that they have lost faith in democracy and that it would be better to have a benign dictator, someone who is mild … Continue reading A Benign Dictator
Forget forecasts
The art of forecasting is falling out of favour. Its usefulness as a prediction of the future has come under severe pressure. This is especially true in the world of political forecasting and for one reason, forecasts in this sense are invariably wrong. They have now become synonymous with the other meaning of the word, … Continue reading Forget forecasts
Pants on fire
In politics these days, the truth is a very fluid concept. Time and time again, leading politicians have been shown to say things that are wrong. This is understandable as we live in a highly dynamic world where no one can be expected to get everything right. What is unacceptable however, is when these ‘facts’ … Continue reading Pants on fire
Failing state
Grayling has managed to live up to his reputation again. He has failed to secure the lead of the Intelligence and Security Committee. At least this time he managed to fail before being given the job instead of during it. Instead, another Conservative MP, Julian Lewis has won the position. This is not the real … Continue reading Failing state
When democracy isn’t enough
In my recent blog The existential threat of nationalism, I touched on how nationalism and populism are an existential threat to humanity and that I would explore what is to be done in another blog. Well, this is it. I would like to go further and add that democracy is an existential threat to humanity, … Continue reading When democracy isn’t enough
Votes that count
A couple of months ago, in less troubled times, I wrote a blog proposing an alternative voting system for the UK. It is a form of proportional representation yet holds a strong element of the first past the post system (FPTP) which at least gives a degree of local political representation. I wrote the article … Continue reading Votes that count
The need for democracy is greater than ever
The Covid-19 pandemic has turned the world on its head. Every aspect of our lives has been affected, including politics. At the time that we need good society leaders the most, we find that we are represented by a government that the majority of us did not vote for. Are they doing a good job? … Continue reading The need for democracy is greater than ever
Coronavirus Bill
Something needs to be done to stop the spread of the pandemic. The government has an enormously difficult job on its hands and it needs to be able to take swift and decisive action. In the movable feast that is Covid-19 there is no doubt that mistakes will be made. Many will not like the … Continue reading Coronavirus Bill
Political forensics
While we were lolling about, waiting for the baby to wake up no doubt, my eldest daughter said to me: ‘Dad, if you could have any job in the world, what would it be?’ It didn't have to be a job that exists and there are no conditions that are preventing me from getting it. … Continue reading Political forensics
Why do I need a passport?
In all the furore over the colour of the United Kingdom passport, one question has kept coming into my mind. Why do I need a passport? For as long as I can remember, I have always had one. Every ten years or so I had to apply for a new one, a rigmarole that involved … Continue reading Why do I need a passport?
Thoughts from a Guerrilla Worker 