Union flags flutter outside the Palace of Westminster in central London on 25 March 2021. (AFP)

Britain is currently experiencing a situation where democratic principles are being undermined, as the preferences of the majority are disregarded, and unpopular policies are being enforced by an entitled and activist elite.

That’s the take offered by The Sunday Telegraph editor Allister Heath, who argued that such a disconnect between the ruling class and the public has led to a lack of trust in politicians and institutions in the UK.

In a piece for the British daily newspaper, Heath wrote that various policies, such as the war on cars, the ban on gas boilers, failure to address crime, attempts to cancel women, and the handling of Brexit, demonstrate this disconnect.

Popular uprising orders of magnitude greater than Brexit!

In an ideal majoritarian society, crimes like burglaries and muggings would not be tolerated, extreme ideologies would not be propagated in schools, and environmental concerns would focus on technological innovation rather than restrictive measures, he went on.

However, the current political reality does not align with these preferences, and public opinion is often ignored; the rise of an influential group known as the "Blob," which includes bureaucrats, policy advisors, and activists, further enforces stifling intellectual conformity and impedes change, even when the ruling party seeks to address public concerns. As a result, the electorate feels disempowered, raising doubts about whether Britain remains a true democracy, Heath questioned.

"Westminster has become cartelized: the large parties are committed to an unrealistic dash to net zero, refuse to discuss the gargantuan cost involved, and omit to mention that Britain’s carbon emissions are about 3 percent of China’s."

In the past, British society upheld democratic principles, but after the Brexit referendum, many institutions have been taken over by a pseudo-meritocratic elite that believes it knows better than the masses.

According to a report by #YouGov, a UK-based research and data analytics firm, the majority of #UK citizens believe that #Brexit was unsuccessful.
Will a change in course take place in the UK regarding its exit from the #EU? pic.twitter.com/ox4jgOdMD5
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) May 30, 2023

This new ruling class exhibits a paternalistic and messianic attitude, considering itself the savior of the common people. However, the public will rebel when asked to make actual sacrifices for unpopular ideas.

To remedy this situation, some propose implementing more referenda, akin to the Swiss system, or enacting radical reforms within the Civil Service to grant ministers greater control. While it is essential to protect against majoritarian abuses, the focus should be on empowering the majority, as it is often the elites who have become authoritarian and anti-democratic, according to Heath.

Populism in the current British context is seen as the majority's attempt to reassert its influence, with specific groups, such as "motorists," emerging as a political force.

"The message to politicians is clear: start listening to the voters again, or else Britain will soon face a popular uprising orders of magnitude greater – and more unpredictable – than Brexit."