The Future of Politics (text only) (ePub)

"I genuinely believe that true democracy - one in which every citizen participates - is a sickly child in the Britain of today, and that it needs urgent care and attention to restore it. If we do nothing, and choose to leave the business of government solely to Westminster, and voting to the handful of citizens who still feel that it matters, then I fear for the future of politics."

Without a fresh and innovative approach, politics and government are in danger of going out of business. The British electorate is increasingly dissatisfied with the political process, looking instead to pressure groups to make changes, and turning out for elections in ever-decreasing numbers. The fault, in Charles Kennedy's view, lies entirely with politicians themselves, who are failing to respond to the challenges of the modern world. Politics must be reinvigorated by promoting a new agenda, placing more power in the hands of ordinary people and inspiring a new generation of citizens.

We need to build a genuinely inclusive democracy in which the creativity and drive of individuals are celebrated, and nurture a culture of mutual responsibility, where people see their own actions at a local and community level as vital as the actions of central government.

Charles Kennedy shows that government must be both inventive and sensitive in its response to the deep problems of our society: prepared both to act where necessary and to be brave enough to withdraw wherever this will be most effective.