The surge for
independence in Scotland is no doubt a reflection of a democratic deficit in
the UK. The Scots are tired of being ruled by Tory governments from
Westminster, whilst voting for Labour and Scottish Nationalist Party candidates
in their own country.
This same frustration though exists south of the border as
well. Millions across the UK are disillusioned at having been ruled by what has
amounted to a right wing Conservative government (propped up by the Lib Dems)
elected by a minority of the population.
The reaction has been a growing
disillusionment with the Westminster establishment. Ironically, this has seen
expression in support for parties like UKIP, which represents the most extreme
form of neo-liberal Conservatism that helped bring about many of the problems
that needs addressing in society today.But the UKIP vote is a protest vote.
People want an alternative, which is why they vote for independence in Scotland
and seek alternatives elsewhere in the UK.
What is needed is a
serious public discourse about the situation. That is not a right wing
led discussion, where the likes of the BBC invite in a cosy bunch of acceptable
establishment figures to discuss amongst themselves what is best for the rest
of us.
An open discourse
would lead to a devolvement of power to people. The nettle of electoral reform
must be seized in order that the political system can be reinvigorated to
genuinely represent the mass of people and their interests. The end result must
be a society that is run for the many not the few.
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