Today was an opportunity to hear some real policy debate when Popular Conservatism was launched. The speakers offered views on a wide variety of topics and I shame a summary here:
The new director of the organisation, Mark Littlewood who was previously at the IEA reminded us of the questions of Tony Benn, and pointed how useful they are in keeping democracy alive -
“What power have you got?”
“Where did you get it from?”
“In whose interests do you use it?”
“To whom are you accountable?”
“How do we get rid of you?”
These proved a useful background to consider the state of quangos and other government entities and whether they are performing in the interests of the people.
Mark was followed by Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg who asked questions about the balance between individual rights and the collective. He reminded the audience of the importance of the individual, and that democracy matters as does accountability. His observations on the separation of powers and the consequences of creating a Supreme Court were thought provoking, though I think much of the change of concern stemmed from changing the role of Lord Chancellor.
After Jacob came Lee Anderson - who had great pragmatism on how to leave the planet better than we found it, but importantly we need to change the way we live in a way that does not harm people unduly and with their consent. He made a good point that the green levy on our energy should be a choice.
Finally Liz Truss offered thoughts on the large number of quangos and the size of government, suggesting we need to expect better outcomes!
The overall message was it is: Time to change the system.
