Facing skepticism and alienation
The future of British politics sounds daunting for government and politicians and a bit like the past, according to this report from The Guardian (UK).I'd like my students to find out if these changes in the UK are reflected in any other of the countries they are studying. I would especially like them to compare and evaluate the assertions about deference, bringing about change, and faith in politics.
Defying political gravity from inside Whitehall
"Deep inside the Cabinet Office at 60 Whitehall... New Labour is trying to remake itself...
"No government, so long in office, has managed to renew itself ideologically. But week after week ministers and civil servants are attending two-hour seminars to listen to experts setting out the challenges of the future...
"A confidential summary of the themes so far suggests Mr Blair's successor faces a difficult, and different, time...
"Society is less deferential and change is secured as much by persuasion, or the development of new social norms, as by new taxes and legislation, the two things government traditionally do. The role of the state is changing, with technology providing one route to empowerment.
"Ed Miliband, one of two cabinet office ministers leading the policy review, argued that revival lies in breaking down barriers between experts and users, as well as the state and the voluntary sector. He said... "Citizens have to feel they have been listened to and can shape services."... the solutions may have to be less government-centric, and more citizen-centric..."The seminars have revealed an anxiety about the lack of faith in politics. At one someone said government was a dirty word and remarkably no one thought to disagree. Professor Stephen Coleman argued faith in the efficacy of government had fallen off a cliff. He argued: 'We live in a paradoxical age. We live in a democratic society where there has been an unparalleled opportunity to address government and form networks, and never before has there been a such a ubiquitous articulated sense of frustration about democratic politics. Politics has become disconnected from everyday life.'"
posted by Ken Wedding @ 8:10 AM
1 Comments:
Another sign of change in the UK
Ever since I can remember, one of the bragging rights claimed by the Brits was that the bobbies were unarmed. While it's still generally true, the exceptions are becoming more common.
Armed patrols begin after south London killings
"Police today began armed patrols in south London following the fatal shootings of three teenagers in less than two weeks..."
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