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By: Allister Heath
“But the pendulum has swung too far away from majoritarian rule, and too much power handed to social engineers. Today, the problem doesn’t lie with the public, which is largely tolerant and liberal-conservative, but with the elites, who have become authoritarian and anti-democratic, captured by wokery and a dislike of material aspiration.” — Allister Heath, 2 August 2023
The article argues that Britain is currently witnessing a concerning shift towards what the author terms an “elite dictatorship.” This refers to a situation where a small group of privileged individuals, often driven by activist agendas, wields disproportionate power and influence while disregarding the opinions and concerns of the majority of the population.
Several specific issues are highlighted as evidence of this trend. The author mentions the “war on cars,” which entails policies and actions that discourage the use of cars, despite the fact that cars remain a primary mode of transport for the majority of citizens. This policy is presented as an example of how the concerns and preferences of ordinary people are being disregarded in favor of an elite-driven agenda.
Another issue is the impending ban on gas boilers, a move that could have significant implications for many households. The author argues that such a decision, which affects a basic necessity like heating, should ideally be subject to public input and approval, rather than being imposed by a select group.
The “debanking scandal” is referred to as well, where financial institutions are allegedly targeting certain industries or individuals for ideological reasons, without clear justification. This is seen as further evidence of the elite’s influence over important aspects of society.
The author also criticizes the failure to effectively prosecute crime and the perceived attempts to cancel or suppress certain viewpoints, particularly those related to women’s issues. These instances are presented as indicative of a larger pattern of the elite imposing their values and priorities on the majority.
The sabotage of the Brexit agenda is highlighted as a notable example of the elite’s resistance to implementing the will of the people, as expressed through a democratic vote. This is contrasted with the notion that in a true democracy, the decisions made by the majority would be respected and acted upon.
The article suggests that the current political climate is characterized by a growing gap between the ruling class and the general public. This is attributed to the emergence of a powerful group known as the “Blob,” which comprises bureaucrats, policy advisers, and activists who hold significant sway over government decisions. The Blob is portrayed as having an elitist and often authoritarian mindset, and it is accused of actively working to constrain elected officials and stifle genuine democratic representation.
In response to this trend, the author calls for a return to majoritarian rule, where the opinions and desires of the majority are respected and acted upon. They suggest that referenda, similar to the Swiss model, could be used to give citizens a direct say in important policy decisions. Additionally, the author proposes a reform of the Civil Service, envisioning a system where elected officials have more control over bureaucratic processes.
Ultimately, the article warns that if politicians continue to disregard the concerns of the majority and prioritize elite-driven agendas, there is a risk of a significant and unpredictable public uprising. This uprising, the author suggests, could be even larger and more impactful than the Brexit vote, reflecting the growing frustration and disillusionment of the general population.