Unlock Democracy: David Blunkett to call for political system to put people before “corporate greed”
The Rt Hon David Blunkett MP will be giving The Unlock Democracy Lecture tomorrow (Wednesday 25 November). Entitled “Democracy and Equality – towards genuine universal suffrage,” Mr Blunkett will argue for “a wider, pluralistic and diverse democratic system.”
Mr Blunkett will say:
“45 years ago, Professor Sir Bernard Crick wrote his then-seminal book, In Defence of Politics. The primacy of markets and what Margaret Thatcher described as the ‘property owning democracy’ led to a predominance of economics over democratic representative politics. No more.
“The voice of the people, the clear relevance of political intervention and the role of governments across the world has been reasserted. Now is the moment to reinforce the importance of participative political decision-making and the role of civil society in a wider, pluralistic and diverse democratic system. In other words, to put the needs of the people before corporate and financial greed.”
Deputy Director of Unlock Democracy Alexandra Runswick commented:
“Mr Blunkett’s lecture is the latest in a series of lectures Unlock Democracy is organising over the next year to mark the 20th anniversary of Charter 88. David Blunkett has had a keen interest in political participation throughout his career and, as Education Secretary, oversaw the introduction of Citizenship Education on the national curriculum.
“We look forward to hearing what he has to say tomorrow.”
ENDS
Notes:
(1) The Unlock Democracy Lecture will be taking place in the Grimond Room, Portcullis House, on Wednesday 25 November from 7-8pm. Places are extremely limited. If you would like to attend, email samuel.tarry@unlockdemocracy.org.uk.
(2) Unlock Democracy (incorporating Charter 88) is the UK’s leading campaign for democracy, rights and freedoms.
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