SDA in the market

SDA will be in Salisbury Market this Saturday

June 2024

UPDATE: we have just heard that this event will have to be CANCELLED due to insufficient space. We may be there next Saturday, 29th. Please keep an eye on this site for updates.

Members of the Salisbury Democracy Alliance will be in the Market this Saturday 22nd June to promote our ideas for a better democracy. The election is in full swing and a feature which has become more and more evident is the lack of discussion about the fundamentals of what is wrong with our country and what is needed to fix it. All parties seem to be pivoting on very narrow points seemingly frightened to even mention the big issues which need fixing. Nobody – aside from the LibDems – is discussing Brexit. Nobody is discussing our dismal productivity and low investment. There is only passing reference to tax avoidance and then with no real substance as to how it will be done since it’s been talked about for years.

What policies do the parties have for enhancing the democratic process? At election time they are all over the place with a variety of meet the people events. Once elected? Many have said writing to their MP is largely a waste of time with a standard response being typical.

How are the parties showing that they value democracy for its own sake? Recent legislation with curbs on protests shows a worrying lack of commitment to the democratic process by the current government. Will the new government repeal some of this legislation or just quietly carry on with it?

What policies do the parties have for including citizens more in decision making? There is no mention* of Citizen’s Juries or Assemblies in the Labour Party manifesto. Despite speeches extolling their benefit, it has not made it into the manifesto.

You may have other questions as well.

Essentially, it is an opportunity to engage in discussions with people about democracy and the Election. There will be a sign up sheet in case anyone wants to be added to our mailing list.

PC

*if you are able to find it, please comment giving the page reference.