The recent violence in many UK cities is frightening and Keir Starmer is right to take a firm stance against the perpetrators (Starmer to lead Cobra meeting after vowing swift justice awaits ‘far-right thugs’, 4 August). This is a necessary but short-term solution to crime. Isn’t it time, however, to engage meaningfully with this deep dissatisfaction among sections of the population?
People lash out when they feel that no one is listening to them. Representative democracy is under threat in many countries for this reason; we must surely take some action before we lose it altogether. Can I make a plea for “communal democracy”, with citizens working in consort with local and regional councils, and even voting on national issues by sending delegates to Westminster alongside elected representatives? Immigration is a huge issue for many people who see their lives impacted by the influx of large groups of people whom they perceive as different. Decisions must be seen to be made at both local and national level.
Citizens’ assemblies are increasingly used to bring together a random selection of local citizens, including those with diametrically opposing views, to discuss topics of public interest. Without the constraints faced by politicians facing a party whip, a citizens’ assembly can focus more on what is best for their locality and for the country in the long term.
Daphne Cotton
Twickenham, London
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