Democracy must evolve with the times if it is to retain the trust of the UK public
The Speaker’s Commission on Digital Democracy recently produced a report which advocated a number of reforms to the democratic process, including the introduction of online voting. One of the commission’s members, Robert Halfon MP, argues that the report is an important milestone in our democracy, and argues for the introduction of the policies the commission […]
Book Review: The Origins and Rise of Dissident Irish Republicanism: The Role and Impact of Organizational Splits by John F. Morrison
This book is an interesting study of splits within the republican movement since the beginning of The Troubles. Its strongest points are its use of interviews and its description of the recent developments in breakaway groups, while its predictions about the future should be noted, writes Fergus O’ Farrell. Similar PostsHow will the ‘Sinn Féin surge’ […]
The UK needs a cleaner and fairer system of election funding
Election campaigns are an expensive business. In this post, Jess Garland discusses a new report on party funding, which shows public dissatisfaction with the current system, and provides recommendations of ways to break the current political stalemate. Similar PostsBrexit has shown the limits of Britain’s broken ‘Westminster model’ of politicsThe 2015 General Election was further proof that […]
A political earthquake is forecast for Scotland – but will there be a ‘genderquake’?
The aftermath of the Scottish Independence Referendum has seen an enormous spike in support for the Scottish National Party, with polling showing that Labour north of the border may find themselves reduced to a rump of MPs in the House of Commons. But what role has gender played in these events, ask Meryl Kenny and […]
Political motivation is crucial for parliamentary behaviour in the EU’s Early Warning System
Since the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty, national parliaments have had the right to intervene early on in the decision making process of European Union. Katjana Gatterman and Claudia Hefftler share research which shows that parliamentary activity in what is called the Early Warning System is particularly triggered by party political contestation over EU integration and […]
Democracy is about more than just voting
Democracy is about far more than a vote, writes Matt Flinders. It is about everyday life, it is about community engagement, it is about personal confidence and belief, it is about daring to stand up and be counted and its about the art of life and living together in the twenty-first century. Democratic politics has […]
Regulators are frequently the source of castigation, but they are bound by practical realities
Ed Miliband’s proposals to strengthen OfGem and OfCom – the state regulators of the energy and broadcast sectors – has put the role of democratic regulation in a market economy in the spotlight. Here Conall Bolger argues that regulators have a difficult role and that any discussion of alternatives to the current arrangements must take into […]
Politicians seeking election this year must communicate more effectively with potential voters than they did in 2010
Indifference – or active hostility – to the democratic process is one of the defining issues of our time, and with the 2015 General Election just around the corner, the need for politicians to engage with voters is high. Rosalynd Southern and Kingsley Purdam argue that explain that – judging by the last General Election – many of […]
If the divide between politicians and the public is to be bridged, we need better understanding on both sides
Over recent years, the relationship between members of the public and the democratic process has fallen into serious disrepair. To an extent, this is to do with perceptions of the ethics of politicians, but it is also to do with politicians communications techniques, particularly in interviews. Sarah Birch and Nicholas Allen argue that a greater degree of understanding […]
The future of the BBC should not be left to the House of Commons’ Media, Culture and Sport committee
Steven Barnett of the University of Westminster explains why a recent report from the Commons Select on Culture, Media and Sport on the future of the BBC is so fundamentally flawed and that, if implemented, the ideas it contains would do immeasurable long-term damage to the BBC’s national and international reputation. Similar PostsBedding down, treading water and taking two steps […]
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