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Boris Johnson is systematically destroying rival centres of power in the UK. Here's how he's doing it, and here's who's helping him.
My column https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/01/no-10-lobby-groups-democracy-policy-exchange?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other
My column https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/01/no-10-lobby-groups-democracy-policy-exchange?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other
The billionaire press says the judges are out of control.
The next day it's the civil service.
Then it's the universities.
Then the mayors.
Then the protest groups.
People fall for it every time, while failing to see the whole picture.
This is a concerted attack on civil society.
The next day it's the civil service.
Then it's the universities.
Then the mayors.
Then the protest groups.
People fall for it every time, while failing to see the whole picture.
This is a concerted attack on civil society.
This is the manufacture of outrage against any group or institution that might challenge the Prime Ministers' power. It's an essential step towards authoritarianism.
To resist it, first we have to understand it.
To resist it, first we have to understand it.
Many people are asking me, "what do we do?"
Well, there are three rules for effective resistance and renewal:
1. Organise
2. Organise
3. Organise
We're organising in Westminster today, through the @ExtinctionR protests.
See you there.
Well, there are three rules for effective resistance and renewal:
1. Organise
2. Organise
3. Organise
We're organising in Westminster today, through the @ExtinctionR protests.
See you there.
Many people genuinely believe that authoritarianism is impossible in the UK. It might seem unimaginable. But no country is immune to it, and right now, the UK is especially vulnerable.
We have a demagogic Prime Minister with clear authoritarian tendencies.
We have a moment of multiple crises - Covid, Brexit, the climate and ecological emergencies and others.
We have no clear constitutional checks, and a knackered political system. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jun/03/britain-democracy-tories-coronavirus-public-power
We have a moment of multiple crises - Covid, Brexit, the climate and ecological emergencies and others.
We have no clear constitutional checks, and a knackered political system. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jun/03/britain-democracy-tories-coronavirus-public-power
We can see a power grab happening in front of our eyes, as civic institutions are curtailed, and power is reclaimed by the centre.
We have a govt culture of complete impunity.
We have rampant corruption, which is always an accessory to authoritarianism: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/15/coronavirus-contracts-government-transparency-pandemic
We have a govt culture of complete impunity.
We have rampant corruption, which is always an accessory to authoritarianism: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/15/coronavirus-contracts-government-transparency-pandemic
We have an Opposition that is failing so far to propose clear political alternatives, or to push back, loudly and strongly, against the direction the government is taking.
We have a media that is either owned by billionaires or frightened of its own shadow.
Please remember:
Behind every ranting fascist there’s a billionaire hoping to escape democracy
Please remember:
Behind every ranting fascist there’s a billionaire hoping to escape democracy
We have a public so knocked about, so badly failed by successive governments, so disoriented by media lies, that millions are now ready to believe whatever wild promises an authoritarian makes.
So is it inconceivable that authoritarianism could take hold of the UK?
On the contrary, when you bring all the evidence together, it is highly likely.
On the contrary, when you bring all the evidence together, it is highly likely.
And please remember, authoritarianism is much easier to stop *before* it happens.
So heed the warnings.
Connect with other people.
Form and join resistance groups.
Read, learn, mobilise and protest.
So heed the warnings.
Connect with other people.
Form and join resistance groups.
Read, learn, mobilise and protest.
