Democracy Café May

May 2023

The Democracy Café met in the Library at 10 am on 13 May to discuss topics of the day

After a vote the topics chosen were a composited title for the perceived attacks on our freedoms and how to deal with them, and, secondly, is it supportive or foolish to send long-range missiles to Ukraine?

The first topic generated much lively debate, cantering around the new legislation on the right to protest and its use over the coronation period.  Much puzzlement was expressed at the tendency of the populace to accept ever-increasing restrictions on their rights in this area. France was mentioned as a contrast.  On the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill and the Public Order Act, it was pointed out that the legislation was rushed through, and that the senior officer at a site can determine if any protest is disruptive and therefore indictable.  Indeed, protests are chargeable if they “could” become disruptive, which is a very concerning matter.

It was suggested that we have given away our rights to protest over recent years, partly due to not knowing our rights.  “You lose your freedoms as your ignorance increases.” Information is key in defending freedom.  It was agreed that there has been an unwillingness to put one’s head above the parapet.

There was discussion of the extent to which freedoms may be justifiably limited for the common good.  It was accepted that protests could cause collateral damage, that conflict results in casualties and this has to be recognized.

On effective protest, it was observed that demonstrations rarely result in change and the failure to get anything done can lead to extreme, even violent, action.  Successful activists such as trade unions were contrasted with groups like Extinction Rebellion, whose success rate is lower, the large extent of its concern being felt to be a disadvantage.

The talk moved on to the problem of people not having the power of decision-making, and thence to the need for such processes as citizens’ assemblies, such as our own Talkshop.

The second topic concerned the British government’s decision to supply Ukraine with long-range missiles.  Up till now, the weapons we have supplied have been defensive, but this marks a change – should we be worried by this?

Much of the discussion centered on the history of the conflict and the role of America, particularly in pushing the borders of NATO ever eastward.  There was a general feeling that Russia did have a historic case, causing one member to observe that Putin was getting something of a free pass; views were sanguine about the possible end to the conflict, most agreeing that some form of negotiation will ensue, with parts of Ukraine probably ending up with Russia.

Other aspects of the question that emerged included the use of war as a means of controlling populations and Russia’s possible larger ambitions.  A final thought was that, years hence when some sort of negotiation has taken place, we may need to be “foolish” i.e. creative.

Andrew Hemming

Next meeting on Saturday June 10th at 10.00 in the Library