Are the Ideals of Policymaking in the UK Presenting a Possible Democratic Deficit?

We are ‘deemed lucky to live in a parliamentary, democratic state.’ (Ekins , 2017). Where we are supposedly seeing regular elections with flourishing political pluralism, aiding the hands of the UK’s citizens by our parliament. Within our democratic state, we assume politicians that are voted in by their constituency, are delivering policies applicable for their constituency. Within, the last few decades this has not been supported, as policymaking in the UK is no longer ‘evidence-based policymaking.’ (Cairney, 2018). Allowing parliament to no longer be representative of the state we live in.  The deficit is installed by the unelected chamber in our bicameral system, known as the House of Lords adding their opinion onto policy, passing through the legislative system. Also, the increasing sentiment of our Prime Minster (PM), becoming more presidential as policymaking has become less state centred and more focused on foreign policy. 

Lack of Elections

Addressing the lack of elections which has occurred in recent years, has beckoned as a catalyst for the deficit in Westminster’s policymaking. Since the Brexit Referendum, the UK has witnessed an immense turnover of five different PMs. Only three of these leaders. having held an election, since 2019. Currently, we are under the unelected leader Rishi Sunak, who is pushing an unpopular policy through Westminster, relating to the ‘Rwanda immigration bill’. This bill has been deemed to go against human rights and will break international law. This Rwanda bill has faced opposition from several MPs in the Commons and the Judiciary. However, the bill is still alive and currently passing through the commons swiftly by Sunak. Without majority support from the public or Parliament. However, generally in the UK we do not directly elect our PM’s the party does. Nonetheless, a general election should have been held to reflect changing public opinion on the turnover of new leadership. Currently ‘Rishi Sunak has not seen a single vote to sustain his leadership role from the party or public.’ Granting, Sunak the power to make policy for the UK without endorsement from either party or public. 

The House of Lords 

The unelected House of Lords, has also been a continuous subject regarding democratic legitimacy within policymaking in the UK. which previously saw Tony Blair pushing for housing reform, as Labour faced hardships to pass their policies. As the unelected Lords were blocking legislation.  Demonstrating, the chamber of the bicameral system, to be participating in UK policymaking with no public endorsement. As many members of the House of Lords, are being appointed by the ‘PM’s traditional powers of patronage, which are not endorsed or reflective of constituencies wishes either.’ (Dorey, 2023). Although ‘Kier Starmer has recently voiced for wanting a second elected chamber.’ (Dorey, 2023). However, ‘many in the House of Commons fear having a second chamber that holds equal democratisation.’ (Dorey, 2023). Leading to less endorsement for future reform. This is not reflective of the public, as according to UCL, research has shown that 72% of the public supports an independent body or reform to the House of Lords, to decrease the deficit. 

Prime Minister or President

Finally, in recent years we have witnessed PMs dominating both, the executive, and the legislature. The PM has been presenting themself as having a presidential focus, through different political crises. Witnessed from the War in Iraq to Brexit and Covid, centralising policymaking to fall to the PM. Tony Blair to now Rishi Sunak, ‘PMs are using less of their executive for support but commanding them.’ (Heffernan, 2003). While also “marginalising groups to pursue a top-down style of policymaking.” (Richardson, 2018). ‘Blair was referred to as exerting strong leadership, managing, and exploiting his institutional environment. During Blair’s time as PM, as he centralised his power and decision-making.’ (Dobson et al, 2023).Highlighting PM;s domination by their actions, during the War in Iraq and now Sunak’s Rwanda bill. Although, PM’s must present themselves with a united executive, this is enshrined by the “doctrine of collective responsibility.” (Brady and Catterall, 1997). Which is aiding the democratic deficit in UK policymaking. As, MPs are to adhere to the PM’s policy or resign. 

Overall, there are mechanisms trying to ensure that policymaking in the UK is as democratic as it can be. Unfortunately, they have been diminishing overtime. As PMs are now solidifying their position of power with a lot of policy being centred on dominating foreign policy, preventing parliamentary sovereignty. The Lords being unelected policymakers, are installing a notable democratic deficit in policymaking. Without reform in parliament, the deficit will be relevant in policymaking. 

Reference list

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