Democratic deficit?
Juvenal Thu Nov 02, 2006 at 08:55:48 AM GMT 
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If there's one lesson we should learn from the Iraq inquiry debate, it's that we need to reinvigorate the country's democratic processes.
Having picked up a range of views from people backing the call for an inquiry into Iraq, there is no question that many, in and out of the party, wished to use it as a stick to beat the Government. But there are also many people (me included) who supported the motion because of a growing frustration with the extent to which the Government is democratically held to account. Inquiries are seen by some as a better vehicle for accountability than Parliament. This is bad for democracy, political trust and participation, but also bad for the Government in terms of its legitimacy.
I had high hopes of the Government in the field of democratic reform - the voting system, House of Lords, and antiquated parliamentary procedures were all in the firing line. But little progress (particularly here in England) has been made in nine years, and I detect no enthusiasm for future action. Unfortunately, the floating `Daily Mail' voters which the party is so intent on seducing for the next election are unlikely to put these sorts of reforms at the top of their agenda. But this shouldn't stop party members from campaigning for radical change, especially in the run-up to the leadership election.
Democratic deficit? | 7 comments (7 topical)
Democratic deficit? | 7 comments (7 topical)
