Appendix 1 SWOT Analysis of UK democracy post 2024 UK general election

Table of Contents

Introduction & Summary A Teaser Background Advocating Democracy Democracy’s vulnerabilities Overall defensive strategy The scale of the problem The legal status of politicians? The case for licensing politicians The case against licensing politicians The requirements for license-a statuary body to manage the process The requirements for license-the process The application and length of validity Eligibility to holding a licence Licences: non-renewal, suspensions and cancellations The requirements for license-the standards to be attained The requirements for license-the criteria Awarding or refusing the licence Political legal liability Educational program The Singapore experience Promotion and dissemination References Appendix 1 SWOT Analysis of UK democracy post 2024 UK general election Appendix 2. Governance and misconduct arrangements in certain professions Appendix 3: Table of evidence required for each criterion Appendix 4: Process for converting Criteria satisfied to Licence granting
Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats
  • We have a democracy which allows for freedom of expression.
  • Basic decency of the UK public.
  • The culture of democracy in the UK is over 300 years, giving it a degree of stability in the population's mindset.
  • Democracy can kick back at those who disrespect it.
  • It allows for the peaceful removal of individuals and governments who underperform.
  • UK is a hotbed of discussion, debate and good ideas with very many highly capable people.
  • The population can make electoral errors of judgement, but these can also be acknowledged and learned from and rectified.
  • Constitutional monarchy acting as a bulwark against political overreach.
  • Multiple pro-democracy groups.
  • Sovereignty is with parliament not the citizen.
  • Constitutional change based on a simple majority vote in parliament.
  • Inadequate vetting process for parliament candidates.
  • Self-governance/regulation by politicians is inadequate.
  • Democracy allows in parliamentarians unsuitable for the role.
  • “First passed the post” (FPP) voting system with its inherent inequality allowing large parliamentary majorities from minority votes.
  • An unethical news media that promotes its own agenda rather than being principled and holding politicians to account.
  • A lack of understanding and appreciation of why democracy and its freedoms are so important.
  • The systems of democracy are slow and may not react quickly enough before damage is done.
  • The systems of democracy are vulnerable to abuse.
  • The systems of democracy rely too heavily on reaction rather than prevention.
  • The systems of democracy rely too heavily on the decency of politicians.
  • There is tolerance of the behaviour of politicians where in other walks of life there would be none.
  • A disempowered unelected upper chamber.
  • A new government with good intentions wishing to set the agenda who appear willing to consider ideas.
  • A new government motivated to change.
  • A new government whose majority is substantial and that will not be derailed by extremists within its own party.
  • An angry and motivated public who do not want to see a return to the incompetence and lack of integrity shown in the last parliamentary term.
  • A return to the politics of doing good for people.
  • The UK public strongly in favour of PR.
  • PR likely to prevent political extremism.
  • Outcome of 2024 USA Presidential election acting as a warning sign.
  • Democracy under attack from outwith, e.g., China and Taiwan.
  • Democracy vulnerable to attack from within.
  • Taking democracy for granted.
  • The rise of populism in the UK, and elsewhere.
  • Moves to proportional representation will allow greater representation of extremist views than currently.
  • 2024 election voting appears to be dominated by voting against the least wanted. This is not sustainable in the long term.
  • 2024 USA Presidential Election making the world a more dangerous place, emboldening non-democrats to come out.
  • The outcome of the 2024 USA Presidential Election creating a ripple effect in Europe encouraging autocratic forces.
  • Foreign influence in our elections, be it from nations, oligarchs or social media.
  • UK economy not in a strong position.
  • Need for increased defence spending.

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