Daily Mail-style democracy

Submitted by Matthew on 4 August, 2011 - 3:16

The return of the death penalty, leaving the EU, anonymity for rape defendants and restricting prisoners to bread and water. A list of Daily Mail editorials? No, the top e-petitions submitted by members of the public according to the Government.

Any e-petition with 100,000 signatures will be considered by a new backbench committee for a full House of Commons debate.

The idea that such a website opens up politics to the masses could not be wider of the mark. In fact, it strengthens the already tight grip of the rich and powerful.

Not only is there an in-built bias towards the better off who have the time and money to organise such petitions, the ideas in them are overwhelmingly those promoted by tabloid and right-wing press proprietors in order to whip up racism, nationalism and bigotry amongst workers and the middle class.

A real extension of democracy would start by instituting annually elected Parliaments with MP's on a worker's wage and instantly recallable by their constituents.

This website uses cookies, you can find out more and set your preferences here.
By continuing to use this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.