Is British Politics Broken?

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Cited in

Published date	01 September 2019
Date	01 September 2019
DOI	10.1177/2041905819871836

SEPTEMBER 2019 • POLITICAL INSIGHT 7

Brexit is a symptom of the broken

political system, not the cause.

This can be seen in the shape of

the Commons, which encourages

gladiatorial, adversarial politics. Yet the

public want consensus and compromise.

A recent BMG poll found that 64 per cent

of the public believe the political system

should encourage compromise. Instead, the

system offers opposition and when it comes

to Brexit, paralysis.

This parliamentary session is the longest

since the English civil war and yet: no Brexit.

Theresa May only reached out to Jeremy

Corbyn in April 2019. Why? Because our

system reduces something as consequential

as Brexit to a game.

In this system democracy becomes

a game. Any tactics are utilised, from

passing unrealistic amendments like the

Brady amendment, to offers from our

Prime Minister of her departure in order to

secure victory, even if it is just by one vote.

Our politicians lack the negotiation skills,

because the system discourages their use.

Moreover, the disjointed, muddled

devolution settlement has created a three-

speed state with Wales, Northern Ireland

and the English regions trailing Scotland

when it comes to devolved power. There is

a stark ambiguity in all of their relationships

with London, which means where does

power really lie?

The answer is Westminster, still. The

Westminster system prioritises an all-

powerful, centralised executive. Yet this

only renders voters powerless, distant from

the decision-making process. Citizens need

to feel energised by their democracy, not

fatigued by it and for this to happen power

must be close to the people, so they can

shape policy and so that institutions can be

responsive and flexible.

Furthermore, the local and European

elections have shown that the two party

state is coming to an end. The two major

parties managed just 22.4 per cent at

the recent European elections. They are

treated by many with contempt. In fact, the

Conservatives raise more money from dead

members than living ones. It is their failure

to offer compelling visions that has led to a

wildfire of populism.

The Brexit Party won convincingly,

despite having only one policy and no

manifesto. The Brexit chaos is the main

ingredient in their success, but not the only

one. Voters are angry about Brexit, but also

The Palace of Westminster is crumbling. Its pipes: corroding. Its roofs:

leaking. Its stone walls: collapsing. There are parallels to be drawn

between the decaying walls and the state of politics. Yet MPs voted

for a £3.5bn renovation. However, our politics needs more than a

renovation, writes Daniel Harrison.

angry with politics. No politician seems

able to inspire and unite. For example, in

the EU referendum there was no stirring

vision as to why the UK should remain.

There is a vacuum of leadership. Therefore,

voters are tempted by overly simplistic

solutions, which in more secure times they

would have considered ludicrous.

Because of our system we sacrifice

engagement and participation for majority

government. This means that voters aren’t

listened to. What this creates is a dangerous

disconnect between our politicians and

the people. Politics is in a dire state, but

the situation isn’t irredeemable. A more

proportional voting system and an elected

second chamber would help regain voters’

trust and confidence in politics.

Any solution must ensure that people

are put at the heart of the decision-making

process. Politics is about people and

their stories, their dreams, their futures

and somehow that has been forgotten.

A broken political system – absolutely.

However, for my generation, a combination

of watching the Brexit crisis, the ignorance

of important issues such as climate change,

and the indecent behaviour of MPs, will

inspire us to do better. Politics isn’t broken,

it has a future.

Daniel Harrison attends Alderbrook Sixth