Another stone in our democracy is being removed

www.google.co.uk/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/politics/2020/aug/31/tory-plans-to-scrap-election-watchdog-undermines-democracy

Thanks?

Why is it that the general population is unable to see the danger of allowing this. Even conservative voters should be concerned at this maverick government.

Nick Cohen writes about this in the Spectator:

www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-mafia-style-hit-on-the-electoral-commission

Even conservative voters should be concerned at this maverick government.

I think. ayse, that they'll just construe this as more moaning on our part.

I've never known them to actually defend, or comment on, any of this government's anti-democratic actions...

It seems to be another step in bringing in a far right administration which is answerable to no one, can give contracts worth millions to their mates, break the law when they choose to and ignore democracy.

Just unbelievable. When some of us talked about 'dictatorship' in last couple of years, we wre laughed at- we are getting closer by the day

Thanks for the link Maizie.

I am frightened that by the time people begin to understand what is happening it will be too late.

But on the other hand I guess that those not criticising are wanting a far right government.

I wonder how exactly they see things progressing?

History suggests that extreme governments can be overthrown but it’s a long and difficult road.

Yet another frightening development, another check and balance removed, and still people are not concerned. I just wish that people would get as bothered about this as they were about the Land of Hope and Glory non story.

They're trying to wipe Scotland from the map!! The plan to get rid of Scots law is shocking.We have had our own system since before the Treaty of union and they will have a fight on their hands if they try to make us accept English law..same with the plan to make a NEW act of Union...sadly we wont have any input on that ...just like the original Treaty .Hope to hell we get Independence before they decide we cant be a country ,wear tartan or speak gaelic...oops they did that before didn't they so who's to say they wont attempt to impose it again
Time they understood its a TREATY between two countries not DEED of ownership!

Many years ago, there used to be a phrase that said "What happens in America, happens here 10 years later" That time frame has been considerably shortened. Look at the way things have gone there. The same is happening here. Both countries have been down graded in their standing in the world. Granted both right wing parties were voted in, but this was because of the way the voting systems operate. I wouldn't mind if they really cared about their countries and the people but, apart from one or two ministers, they certainly don't seem to and are abysmal minority governments.

Yes, there’s more of this going on than we realise.

In the USA and the UK incompetent right-wing governments were voted in by a minority of voters. We have seen the result.

If it is true that we tend to follow America I really hope that Biden is elected. We all would have far too much to lose if the Americans re-elect Trump.

And the man who’s director general of the BBC now doesn’t want left wing comedy on the airwaves. Goodby HIGNFY then. Is Spitting Image on the BBC? That’ll be interesting if it is.

I am concerned that over the last couple of years people in this forum have highlighted what is going on but have not come forward with any suggestions as to how to tackle the problem.

I'm not any better because the main thing I can suggest is writing to your MP, especially if they are conservative, and then not sending it until you have slept on it, read it several times and edited out any turn of phrase that might identify you as non-Tory.

Remember many Conservatives equate not voting for their party as being, "Far Left", and would automatically bin a communication from such a source.

Little do they know. The Far Left would like the Royal Family lined up against a wall and shot.

I find the RF a bit boring and in one or two cases a bit worrying but I wouldn't go that far'

My only other suggestion is ..talk to people. Not just those you know are on the same wave length as you. Point out the problems but no ranting, just express genuine concern.

Any other suggestions?

To be opposed to the appalling right wing governmsnt we have does not equate to being far left or anti monarchist.

To be opposed to this appalling right wing government equates to being intelligent, well informed, compassionte and patriotic.

I am concerned that over the last couple of years people in this forum have highlighted what is going on but have not come forward with any suggestions as to how to tackle the problem.

I think people are at a loss as to what to do, boat. I don't mean just posters on here, but people in the world outside. I follow lawyers, economists, journalists, academics and various 'ordinary folk' on twitter and no-one seems to have any idea.

I think the biggest problem is the complete disregard of the law and of parliament. How can any government be brought to account if they have no regard at all for two main components of our constitution?

Apparently Jeremy Paxman has an article in Saga magazine in which he characterises the government as 'twerps'. Well, as they have managed to be well on the way to dismantling our democratic institutions without anyone being able to stop them I think that 'twerps' is something of a misnomer...

We have to start somewhere.

I was born in 1944 towards the end of the Second World War caused by a megalomaniac who wanted to rule the world. Europe was only saved by the intervention of the USA. It's not going to happen this time.

Al (Boris) Johnson wanted to be king of the world as a child but he is not driving this forwards, whatever he thinks, it is Dominic Cummings and his backers.

I'm not on social media (not tech savvy enough) but I know that lots of you are, so get out there and as I said avoid the ranting. Just come over as logical and the wise people you are at our age.

Yes, alarmed - but not in the least surprised!

varian I am as angry as you but my point is that we have have to stop shouting at them. We have to look reasoned, which mainly we are.

Shouting they can ignore as a response of the ignorant.

The Conservatives aren't right wing enough, in my opinion. I hope we never have a left wing government again.

quizqueen

The Conservatives aren't right wing enough, in my opinion. I hope we never have a left wing government again.

That is an interesting comment, but I don’t understand what you mean by “not right wing enough”

What isn’t Johnson’s government doing that you want them to do?

People whose views are entrenched rarely wish to change their minds. One only had to listen to James O'Brien over the last couple of years to realise that. People coming on his programme would invariably say "I believe..........." and he would ask why? what reason do you have for saying that? etc etc and they hardly ever gave a reason. If they did, such as sovereignty, he would politely explain that we were already a sovereign nation. Occasionally a person would call in to say that they had changed their minds but that was rare.

Admitting that you are wrong is one of the hardest things to do.

Wwm2 Bring back hanging and flogging?