Eligibility to holding a licence

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

For a level 1 licence, anybody may hold a licence as long as they are a British Citizen, 18 years or older, they have legal capacity, and they fulfill the licensing criteria described in detail below. There is no requirement for any specific academic or occupational qualification. For example, a university degree may be testament to a level of education but then what type of degree? A degree in politics may give understanding to political processes in the UK and elsewhere, but 650 politics degrees would give a very lopsided view of the British public. Furthermore, individuals who have been educated through apprenticeships or experience in the workplace would carry just as much benefit and would help to make the parliament to be more representative of general society.

Like for voting, there needs to be a lower age limit, but there also must be a certain level of maturity. The holding of the license by itself will not necessarily mean the licence holder will be elected to parliament. They would still require the support of a political party and the electorate. While it would be nice to have in parliament somebody to understand and be representative of the youth, who until very recently was one themselves, it is more likely that the license in the youngest age groups would allow standing for elections and learning how to engage with the public.

For a level 2 licence, age 25 or one full term of parliament of more than four years, whichever is less is suggested as the eligibility criterion. This license too, would give the license holder only the permission to be in government. It allows the appointment if the prime minister considers the licence holder to be the most suitable person for the position.

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