Democratic risk

‘The government is us; we are the government, you and I.’ (Theodore Roosevelt)

‘It’s the first time someone has asked me what I think.’ Paul was stunned that, over a drink with his university philosophy tutor, he had been invited to share his own thoughts, insights and ideas. Years later, I’ve still never forgotten the positive surprise and bright sparkle in Paul’s eyes as he recounted that experience. There’s something about being genuinely invited in, heard and understood, especially by someone we may look up to and admire, that can feel incredibly affirming and inspiring. It’s the kind of thing that can build confidence, loyalty and trust.

By stark contrast, here’s a recent personal experience: in the past 6 months, I've written to the UK Prime Minister twice –?no response; UK Home Secretary 3 times –?no response; UK Safeguarding and Violence Against Women & Girls Minister once –?no response; my local UK MP 4 times – no response. (Also: the former General Secretary of NATO once – no response; former Archbishop of Canterbury once – no response…the UK BBC News once; UK Sky News once; UK Channel 4 News once; Al Jazeera UK News 5 times – and all with no response).

I’m curious – and democratically concerned. In the past, whenever I’ve written to political leaders, they have always responded. (In fact, in the past 6 months, the only leader who has responded is the Leader of the UK Reform Party). What has changed, and what does it mean?

I could hypothesise. For instance: perhaps they’ve ignored my communications because they don’t care what I think; perhaps they haven’t had a clear position on the issues I’ve raised so haven’t known how to respond; perhaps they’ve been overwhelmed by work pressures and so haven’t had the time to respond; perhaps – and possibly most plausibly in the current volatile, inflamed climate – they’ve been fearful to respond in case I were to take what they have said and react to it badly, or misconstrue what they have said and spread it over social media.

Perhaps, and it is only a perhaps, they have chosen radio silence as a self-defensive, least-worst strategy in these complex and challenging circumstances. I don’t know. I do know how it feels to be on the not-receiving end of such un-responsive leadership. I can better understand how increasing numbers of people feel ignored, unheard and disenfranchised by their own elected representatives – and that worries me for the future of democratic states and societies. We live in turbulent times. Pulling back from communication exacerbates the risks.