A Critical History of Democracy in the British Isles

Introduction

I developed an interest in politics when I realised it touches every aspect of our lives. The cost of what we buy, the rights we enjoy, and the justice we receive are all shaped by political decisions. Yet nothing feels under our control. People in positions of power and influence rarely give it up voluntarily, no matter how much we like to delude ourselves otherwise.

Like many people, this country drives me mad. Perhaps for the same reasons it angers others, perhaps for reasons of my own. I understood early on that the democracy we think we have is a myth — no more real than Will-o’-the-wisp, no more effective than a broken window at keeping out the cold, and no more representative of the people than an outdated stereotype.

I have considered living elsewhere, but I love the British Isles. I do not divide Scotland, Wales, England, and Ireland in my mind. We have been a dysfunctional family for far too long, scarred by divisions, shallow solutions, and political ego. Much of that hubris has stemmed from Westminster. We must fix those divisions. We must become equal partners in a functional family, building on our shared strengths rather than tearing ourselves apart through folly.

When you strip away the noise, two issues dominate our society: mental health and our voices being heard. Of course there are many more, but these two are deeply connected — and addressing them would go a long way towards building the society we want for ourselves and for our children.

England, and later the UK, was never as “great” as nostalgia claims. We have had proud moments. Our scientific, technological, and medical progress over the last 250 years is remarkable. But greatness also requires honesty. Too often our actions undermined the ideals we claimed to uphold. Acknowledging those failures does not diminish our achievements; it makes them real. Reflection must be honest — neither denial nor self-flagellation.

In recent centuries the names Great Britain, England, and United Kingdom have been used interchangeably, as if they were the same. This is inaccurate and, for many in these islands, insulting. Scotland is not England. Ireland is not Britain. Yet all are part of these Isles, which I believe can and should be the best place to live in the world.

This book sets out my vision for how we can get there. I do not claim to be right on everything. I certainly don’t have all the answers. But through discussion, cooperation, and integrity we can build nations that are truly democratic, genuinely free, the best educated, and the most ethical in their politics and society. That is when Britain will truly deserve to be called “great.”

The last thirty years of governance have been an abject shambles. A drunk on a pushbike in a hurricane would have a better chance of navigating a roundabout than most of our political leaders. Corruption, scandal, and contempt for the people have gone largely unpunished. It boils my blood — and it should boil yours too.

I want a nation for my children that is not corrupt, but safe, fair, ethical, and honest. I want them to live free of crippling stress and debt, and to see integrity both at home and abroad. I suspect every parent in these islands wants the same.

Will it be easy? No. People fear change. Those in power resist it even more. But with determination and the support of the people, we can achieve great things. If we succeed, we can become a beacon — showing the world by example that there is a better way, and leaving our children a country to be proud of.

Would I stand for public office? No. I know the type of people who should govern, and I am not one of them. I am imperfect, as we all are, but I do not pretend otherwise. This book is not about me. It is about all of us, and what we must do together before it is too late.

Let this work is a starting point — perhaps a guide — to making these islands the best place to live. (And yes, let’s leave the weather out of it.)

Side note: Originally this was intended as a single book. But once you scratch beneath the surface, even “War and Peace” wouldn’t do it justice. It has grown into multiple volumes, each exploring different but interconnected aspects of the democracy we are told we have in these islands. Volume 1 dispels the myths of Magna Carta and other supposed cornerstones of “English” history. Later volumes examine where society has lost its way, how self-interest has steered us off course, and how the Westminster bubble continues to take us for fools. The final volumes move towards solutions. They may not be perfect, but they are offered as the start of a conversation. Because as a society, as a community of nations, I am confident we can evolve and find solutions that work for everyone — not just a minority.