Letter: So Much of What We Held To Be Democratic Has Gone

Published on: 2 Mar, 2026
Updated on: 2 Mar, 2026

From Anthony Mallard

With the current government’s majority in Parliament, we have, in effect, an elected dictatorship.

The present – and past – governments, once in office, appear not to listen and balance the needs of “ordinary” people with the greater good of the UK, seemingly believing that they know best.

This government has introduced changes that were not in their election manifesto. Why? because the Labour party knew it would not get elected if it publicised its truthful plan, for example, the cutting of the winter fuel payments – since partially reversed.

Many of our MPs are good and do their best for their constituents, whilst others so obviously seem to put themselves and their re-election first.

Take those who have “jumped ship” from the Conservatives and Labour benches to Reform, believing that that way they have a better chance of remaining in Parliament next election time.

The public’s impotence is palpable. Sadly, so much of what this country held to be democratic has gone – it started with Maggie Thatcher and putting “me” first.

Politics, the NHS, clean water and one of the most expensive electricity supplies in Europe being examples of Broken UK.

When will Sir Keir Starmer jump on the Trump bandwagon again, in order to mask his failures and what will be his excuse, this time, for doing so?

Responses to Letter: So Much of What We Held To Be Democratic Has Gone

Peta Malthouse Reply

March 2, 2026 at 11:46 am

Do tell me what changes that have been made were not in their manifesto.

So far, all I have seen is the government trying to get their legislation to put it into effect through Parliament.

It’s been massively delayed by back bench revolt on benefits and the massive Tory majority in the House of Lords.

That opposition in the Lords forced the government to let go one of its manifesto promises to get the Employment Act through in time to take effect this April. That’s democracy in action.

Politics is a dirty business the last government had an 80 majority which is where the no deal Brexit and the 100 majority in the House of Lords came from. I’m surprised Mr Mallard does not appear to know that.

Finally, West Surrey Unitary Council is about to be formed with three of those authorities in serious financial difficulty caused by the spending of their Tory controlled Councils. I urge readers to take a deeper interest in what you are voting for.
- Tony Harrison Reply
  
  March 7, 2026 at 9:55 am
  
  Nice try. But the correct question is which policies that were in the manifesto have been carried out? More u-turns than whacky races, and a moral compass that’s wandering like a drunk Nomad.
John Murray Reply

March 3, 2026 at 10:04 am

Apart from wondering what constitutes “ordinary people” (those who agree with the writer?) and who is “we” as opposed to “me” (who makes these collective demands?), I was forced to the conclusion that the only sort of politicians on whom we might rely are the sort who are not worried about election.

Perhaps the Russian model would be best?