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<h3>Grabbed from &nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/FUDdaily/status/1784934023942246698" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://twitter.com/FUDdaily/status/1784934023942246698">https://twitter.com/FUDdaily/status/1784934023942246698</a> Pete is one of the most prolific and lucid content creators on Twitter. His daily output is, frankly, awesome. I warned him I was pinching today's gem, and we are all the better for it...&nbsp;</h3>There is near universal agreement that the Conservative Party has run its course. It passed up the opportunity to transform Britain and squandered an eighty seat majority. Not only has it failed to deliver a meaningful Brexit, it has presided over record levels of immigration – contrary to the demands of the majority of British voters. This would be a lengthy document were we to discuss all the failures of the Tory government.Consequently, there is now a gap in the market for a competent, focussed party that will deliver real reform. Political disaffection is rife and there’s a growing appetite for an alternative. Various polls and pundits suggest twenty per cent of the vote is already up for grabs, and Reform, if it performs well, could sweep up thirteen per cent of the vote. But that’s not enough.To get anywhere close to power and be considered a serious contender, Reform has to smash through the inherent electoral ceiling that goes with being a generic populist party. Reform may not recognise the populist description, but in its current form it will struggle to shake off that label in the media and in academic discourse. Its policy ideas are calibrated for popularity.Presently, Reform operates as a traditional party; offering policy ideas in more or less the same structure (if not substance) as any other manifesto. Though it would do things differently, it is not fundamentally a different animal to what is already on offer.To break out of the populist cul-de-sac it has to be more than a party. It has to be a movement for comprehensive change. The disaffection is as much to do with the way government runs as the inadequacy of the traditional parties. A movement for change must have greater ambition and offer something transformative that can transcend party and ideological divisions.Reform’s current manifesto offerings are no doubt an improvement on what is offered by other parties, but a real party of reform must address itself to root causes rather than symptoms.Before that can happen, though, the party itself must establish its own definition. There is nothing wrong with popular policies, but they must be logical derivatives of a larger mission. To fix what’s wrong with Britain, you first need a diagnosis that will help to define your own principles.Defining the problemSince the Second World War, the prevailing ideology of the West has been liberal internationalism, with a view to exporting good governance and democracy through international organisations, treaties, conventions and trade agreements.Over decades, each of these instruments has become bloated, corrupt, and detached from their original purpose. Most, if not all, have been captured by out of touch progressives who have appropriated them to advance their own ideologies and preferred causes.For a time, many of them have been considered a nuisance, but ultimately in our best interests to tolerate. In recent years, though, we find increasing friction between national democracy and the international rules based order. The ECHR and the Refugee Convention have undermined our immigration policies, while arbitrary climate targets and UN Sustainable Development Goals, have crippled our energy and foreign policy.Consequently, we are no longer capable of acting in the direct national interest, and our domestic institutions have no concept of direct national interest. The very idea of acting in the national interest is considered small and inward looking. Most of our problems can be traced to a prevailing mind-set that holds democracy in contempt.As such, the conflict of our times is that between international technocracy and national democracy. Ergo, Reform should stand in defence of national democracy, and for the restoration of real democracy – locally and nationally.Causes, not symptomsWhile Reform’s current manifesto would address some of the issues, the main problems in recent decades all have the same origin. ULEZ, Net Zero, the Lisbon Treaty, Low Traffic Neighbourhoods, the ECHR, and the Paris Agreement (which obliges us to implement carbon trading, Net Zero and red tape that hobbles new infrastructure), are all the product of a feral establishment which has long since abandoned any notion of public consent. Between elections there are no constraints on what they can do to us.Though it would be very welcome to see a party pledge to reverse all of this meddling, there is nothing to stop establishment parties doing the same or worse to us again.As such, it’s not enough to simply withdraw from the ECHR and the Paris Agreement etc. We need to establish a framework of democratic principles upon which any future government must operate. We could withdraw from the ECHR but with without addressing the fundamental issues, it could end up being replaced with a similar construct operating on much the same basis. Reform’s mission, therefore, is to change the very basis of modern British democracy.Having defined the problem, and established a philosophical basis for the existence of the Reform Party, subsequent policies suggest themselves, and policies are therefore consistent with the core mission and each other.StrategyWithout a core mission, it’s very easy to wrong-foot an insurgent party. It’s conceivable that the Tory party could be pressured into making ECHR departure a manifesto commitment. The economic and practical realities of Net Zero could well see the entire policy agenda rolled back. In that eventuality, Reform’s general policy agenda looks less urgent. Reform has to offer something voters can’t get by voting any other way.To do this, Reform must make National Democracy central to its existence. It must develop an intellectual product as the basis of its future campaigns. It should develop a future constitutional framework and popularise it by name – as something it would implement on day one.On this, thinking should be along the lines of a Great Restoration Bill. Its primary function should be to assert the sovereignty of the people so that no treaty, international court or convention may bind a government without the explicit consent of the people by way of referendums. It would immediately void the ECHR, Paris Agreement and Refugee Convention in a single act.The bill should implement a further British convention of rights, but instead of replicating the ECHR model of rights of the individual, it should redefine democratic rights but also tie these into defined responsibilities.This should be written with a view to curbing the excesses of politicians, not only in Westminster, but also in the devolved governments of Scotland and Wales. It could include a new act of union with a view to reforming the dysfunctional Northern Ireland settlement. Though there is no undoing devolution, devolved governments are routinely acting outside of their remit, and centralising powers so they may abuse them. This must end. No local authority may be dissolved or see its powers curtailed without a referendum.As regards to individual rights, we need a declarative bill that properly asserts British law as supreme, setting out how the rights of the majority may not be abridged. Under this instrument, we seek to define (once and for all) the parameters of our society which have gradually been undermined by multiculturalism and mass immigration.Real and lasting reformThe current Reform manifesto is unambitious in terms of Westminster reform. Changing the voting system to Proportional Representation has merit, but does little to address the payroll vote and the lack of accountability between elections.A Great Reform Bill should seek to establish real separation of powers. The primary concern here is that there should be a clear distinction between the legislature (Parliament) and the executive (Government).Should the executive thus be separated, the obvious and logical outcome is that the prime minister and his ministerial team would no longer be Members of Parliament. They would have to be elected in their own right, a process which would reflect the increasingly presidential nature of general election contests. We may not like it that the public votes for leaders rather than candidates, but they do all the same.The use of the Commons as the recruitment pool for most of the ministers (and the prime minister) has a highly corrosive effect on politics. The main function of parliament should be scrutiny of the executive. If parliamentarians are also members of the government, there is an inherent conflict of interest.With separation of powers, governments would be able to look outside of parliament for expertise and leadership, and offer temporary appointment to the Lords. With such a model, voters can be more discerning in selecting their local MP – addressing the quality problem.Voters should also be given a None Of The Above option on the ballot paper where a seat shall remain vacant until new candidates are selected and fresh elections held. Any MP who defects shall automatically trigger a by-election.There should be an internal debate within Reform as to further democratic reforms. There is likely to be opposition to a codified constitution, but we are, in effect, talking about constitutional constraints for the defence of national democracy. This must be worded carefully.Unlike a manifesto that deals with day-to-day policy, we seek to address the mind-set that produces the dysfunction in British democracy, where politicians believe that their elected status gives them free reign to do as they please, even to the point of signing away powers and funds that are not theirs to give away.In respect of that, we need a new oath of allegiance for MPs, ministers, Lords and public servants that recognises the sovereignty of the people, and reminds them that their powers are loaned to them by the British people, and must be returned intact at the end of their tenure. Breaches should incur punishment.Though such a reform agenda does not directly address traditional policy discussions, it will put voters back in charge so that they hold the final veto on matters that affect them.A plan of actionSuch an extensive programme of reform is not trivial. There are profound consequences. As such, Reform needs to be able to comprehensively defend its agenda. If international agreements are voided, there are implications for trade and foreign relations. It may even result in the termination of formal trade relations with the EU.As such, a national plan of action should be formulated, with the emphasis on cheap energy for homes and industry, revitalised manufacturing and agriculture, streamlined planning, and an emergency energy infrastructure renewal bill that exempts development from vexatious legal challenges by activists.These are second order policies for a subsequent manifesto born of the Restoration Act. Policies should seek to strengthen reforms but also address the political and economic fallout. These policies then become the legacy benefits of the constitutional reform – which help the party sell its agenda.Definition is everythingReform’s campaigning activities have thus far been disjointed and sometimes contradictory. Voters may like some policies but will notice the lack of coherence and consistency. Having a party definition will solve this problem. It will inform policy but also give structure to campaigning activity.Calibrating policy to be popular outside of a core framework ultimately results in disorganised thinking and campaigning without focus. Popularity should be secondary to definition. A party that wants to be a national movement must state openly and clearly what it believes in, and develop ideas to deliver its vision, then gear its campaigns to popularise those ideas. The organisation then becomes a sales force with purpose.Popularity is a longer term objective. In the meantime, the job is to develop coherence and competence which is persuasive in its own right. You are then offering something ambitious and different, but you can also convince voters you have the talent and intelligence to pull it off.Activists and voters are always going to disagree on arcane matters of policy, but it’s far easier to agree on a set of defining principles. A party that exists to restore and protect democracy at the national and local level, and capitalise on responsive democratic sovereign government is one that should be able to capture the imagination of Labour and Tory voters alike. If Reform develops real reform ambition, it can be the movement to break out of the populist cul-de-sac.

Pete North - on how to do UK politics

<h2>The Influence of Social Media on Political Campaigns</h2>This was an entirely AI generated post, with a little manual tweaking. Be very afraid, eh? Maybe all that is left is the idea that the real electorate can tell their real elected representatives to do what they ask - and for that opinion to be continuously canvassed using sophisticated continuous polling techniques. Social media has revolutionized the way political campaigns are run, providing politicians with unprecedented access to voters and enabling them to reach a much larger audience than ever before. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have become essential tools for candidates looking to connect with voters and spread their message.<h3>Real-Time Communication</h3>One of the key benefits of social media in political campaigns is the ability to communicate with voters in real time. Candidates can instantly share updates, respond to questions, and address concerns, allowing them to engage with voters on a more personal level.<figure id="figure-ckljmcq5w8lv1csfay"><img id="ckljmcq5w8lv1csfay" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1493612276216-ee3925520721?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyNXx8c29jaWFsJTIwbWVkaWElMjBlbGVjdGlvbnxlbnwwfHx8fDE3MTMyMDk2ODF8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="social media election" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1493612276216-ee3925520721?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyNXx8c29jaWFsJTIwbWVkaWElMjBlbGVjdGlvbnxlbnwwfHx8fDE3MTMyMDk2ODF8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>Targeted Advertising</h3>Social media platforms also offer sophisticated targeting options that allow campaigns to reach specific demographics with tailored messages. This level of precision targeting was previously unheard of in traditional media advertising, making social media an invaluable tool for reaching key voter groups.<h3>Engagement and Interaction</h3>Social media enables candidates to interact with voters in a way that was not possible with traditional media. Through live streams, Q&amp;A sessions, and behind-the-scenes content, politicians can humanize themselves and build a connection with voters on a more personal level.<figure id="figure-b8cr17zmhhlv1csgsh"><img id="b8cr17zmhhlv1csgsh" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1504463731009-4dcfc117a17f?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw4fHxwb2xpdGljYWwlMjBzb2NpYWwlMjBtZWRpYXxlbnwwfHx8fDE3MTMyMDk2ODN8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="political social media" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1504463731009-4dcfc117a17f?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw4fHxwb2xpdGljYWwlMjBzb2NpYWwlMjBtZWRpYXxlbnwwfHx8fDE3MTMyMDk2ODN8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>Viral Campaigning</h3>One of the most powerful aspects of social media is its ability to make content go viral. A well-crafted tweet or video can quickly spread across platforms, reaching millions of users in a matter of hours. This viral potential can give campaigns a massive boost in visibility and engagement.<h3>Challenges and Controversies</h3>While social media offers numerous benefits for political campaigns, it also presents challenges and controversies. Issues such as fake news, misinformation, and data privacy concerns have all plagued social media platforms during election seasons, raising questions about the role of social media in shaping political discourse.<figure id="figure-fc3hs6ulo7klv1csijq"><img id="fc3hs6ulo7klv1csijq" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1648125076533-f3fbd2585bf3?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxOXx8c29jaWFsJTIwbWVkaWElMjBwb2xpdGljc3xlbnwwfHx8fDE3MTMyMDk2ODZ8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="social media politics" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1648125076533-f3fbd2585bf3?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxOXx8c29jaWFsJTIwbWVkaWElMjBwb2xpdGljc3xlbnwwfHx8fDE3MTMyMDk2ODZ8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>Transparency and Accountability</h3>Despite the challenges, social media has also increased transparency and accountability in political campaigns. Candidates are under constant scrutiny from voters, journalists, and fact-checkers, making it more difficult for them to spread false information or mislead the public.<h3>Mobilizing Supporters</h3>Social media has proven to be a powerful tool for mobilizing supporters and driving voter turnout. Campaigns can use platforms to organize events, recruit volunteers, and encourage supporters to get out and vote, making social media an essential component of modern political campaigns.<figure id="figure-m0foeznacclv1csk80"><img id="m0foeznacclv1csk80" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1540908390241-82158ab62887?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxMXx8cG9saXRpY2FsJTIwc29jaWFsJTIwbWVkaWElMjBzdHJhdGVneXxlbnwwfHx8fDE3MTMyMDk2ODh8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="political social media strategy" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1540908390241-82158ab62887?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxMXx8cG9saXRpY2FsJTIwc29jaWFsJTIwbWVkaWElMjBzdHJhdGVneXxlbnwwfHx8fDE3MTMyMDk2ODh8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>The Future of Political Campaigning</h3>As social media continues to evolve, so too will its impact on political campaigns. New platforms, features, and trends will shape the way candidates engage with voters and run their campaigns, making it essential for politicians to stay ahead of the curve and adapt to the changing landscape of digital politics.

The Social Media Revolution: How It's Reshaping Political Campaigns

<h3>Local government (District, County and Unitary) is now totally broken. </h3>They are now required by central government to do its bidding. Worse, central government ensures that local government cannot fulfil these requirements due to budgetary constraints. Rather than seek to “fix” local government, Burgher proposes to “game” central government by taking most, if not all, the activities of local government into an autonomous non-statutory body, operates by“<a href="https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/B%C3%BCrger" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/B%C3%BCrger" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Burghers</a> who are required to act based on the direction of the Will of the Electorate. Many of the initiatives below are active across the UK, Cambridgeshire and often right here in Ely.&nbsp; However, while coordination can inhibit individual initiatives, having a network, common branding and access to common resources and support, can transform their success. (The success of The Cambridge Network, in transforming the economy of Cambridge City, was down to this model of cooperation.) Volunteering Where a task is done by a local government employee, the council has to pay National Insurance, and the employee National Insurance and Income Tax. As a result some 60% of this expenditure goes straight back to central government. As a volunteer, none of this community money goes to central government. Local Care Tokens - Community Care (Elderly care) Using a “pay-it-forward” volunteering model, the recently retired and other elderly-well can provide the care for those not so fortunate on a semi-voluntary basis. The elderly in need are allocated “Care Tokens”.&nbsp; They then give them to their volunteer carers. While there is no requirement, the community expected the care recipient to compensate the community by giving an appropriate legacy to the community. (The number of tokens multiplied by the current minimum wage might be reasonable) . When those who provided that care themselves become in need of care, they can “pay using their “earned” care tokens. The care token system might be used for other community activities, such as teaching assistants, litter picker and community gardeners. An example is CAMLETS Taxes When you receive a local government council tax bill, you have to pay this from your already taxed income. If on the other-hand you put that money through a charitable foundation, “Gift Aid” means that income tax is repaid. Your money is immediately increase by around 20%. So demanding that the council does NOT give to local charities, but leaves it to the public is a big win. Honour Taxes The Burghers, could send “Honour Tax” demands to every adult in the community of say 40 hours of community service per year. The people can either pay using care tokens or buy them from people who have earned more than they need, or buy them direct from the Burgher. People re encouraged to display a sticker saying they support the community honour tax. (Note, While people can display the sticker without paying the tax, it is unlikely. Even then, the clear message from them that paying the tax is something that they “support”. (By not making the tax obligatory, we avoid the attention of HMRC as a payment in kind that might be taxed) Housing development and Planning. Local social housing provision is now done through autonomous housing associations. These unaccountable QUANGOs pay massive salaries to their management, fail to provide a good service to their tenants and typically allocate their vacancies according to national policies (e.g. Asylum seekers) rather than local housing need. Using the law on Community Development and Community Land Trusts, communities can not only build the housing the local community needs, but ensure that the benefits go to local people. This can be done without the need to go through the normal local planning system. Organisations such as Resonance Ltd and Allia Ltd can raise the finances needed for these developments through Ethical investment funds. Community Energy Community Solar, Wind and Battery Farm to make community both self-sufficient and cheap power. Again, if promoted by the community, the permissions are trivial to get, and the finance is easy. Even community heat pump facility, such as Swaffham Prior Banking and debt management The old local building societies have been asset stripped by “carpetbaggers” long ago. Now, with the national banks withdrawing from retail banking, there is now an opportunity to reboot the Provident movement. Setting up local provident societies means that the community can recycle its cash internally. With the spread between the interest rate that the public can borrow and that paid to the public being at it’s greatest in history, Provident societies can plainly compete against the bloated traditional banking sector. Food banks These are already deployed in many communities, these can be enhanced through... Community Produce Allotment holders often have surplus produce, this can be donated to a community produce “shop”. Better would be a community garden, where people work together to grow a wide range of produce for themselves and again the surplus can go to a community produce shop. People who make stuff as a hobby or part-time activity may also donate or share-sell through the community shop. Charity Shop Many town centres have many charity shops run by national charities. (The CEO of Help the Aged took over £300,000 in pay pay last year). Burgher could run a community shop where the income is recycled within the community. Circular economy Local Care Tokens, might be used by the community to transact between themselves. Paying tradesmen, or even buying (some) groceries and other services, (community energy). These may allow less of the local productivity going to central government through taxes etc. Justice Dispute resolution With the cost and delay of going to the law now prohibitive for the ordinary citizen. The Burgher could provide a simple rapid dispute resolution system, based on restricted argument ( One side of A4 per £100&nbsp;of claim for each party?) With the decision going to a “public poll”. While the decision is not legally binding, a party that does not consent to the decision is barred from using the system again (with some caveats) Opt-in or Opt-out With no statutory power, there is no means that Burghers can compel citizens to support them in the mission. In order to ensure a stable system, there needs to be some negative feedback in the Burgher system. To this end, where services are directed to an individual, citizens who have contributed to the Burghers mission are given priority over those who have failed to contribute, and those who have opposed the Burghers mission should not enjoy any Burgher provided services. Law enforcement The Burghers can collect and correlate and communicate reports of anti-social behaviour. This is already done by Neighbourhood Watch, public houses who impose town-wide bans on certain disruptive individuals and to a lesser extent to shop-lifters. Work in progress....updated Jan 24th 2024 ©P Dawe 2024

Burghers – Gaming local government

Will Of The Electorate (WOTE) founder Peter Dawe - having been instrumental in deploying a number of society changing innovations - thought that with the ever growing list and scale of the problems of the world, he should stop fixing stuff, as his contribution was a drop in the ocean.Unfortunately, the problems of the world have got so bad, that stepping away has turned out not to be a relief, but an increase in stress due to the feeling of powerlessness.Things came to a head, in early 2023 when Mrs Dawe also experienced a number of issues due to the failure of our government systems, including “regulators”. She said to Peter in frustration, “Can you do something about this?”. &nbsp;Peter said “I can try, but it may have significant impact on our life-style.”Thus he started to muse on how to fix the government of the UK. And to do it on a shoe-string budget and to do it in less than 2 years. (I was already 68 after-all!)Having stood for local, parliamentary and then as an Independent candidate for the Cambridgeshire’s elected mayor. Peter understands the challenges of the UK’s electoral system. In particular, the party system and how the media that conspires to ignore non-party candidates, make it almost impossible to stand as an independent candidate.From experience working with various government departments and agencies, Peter is also aware that individual MPs have very little power, even when they are ministers. (This was even worse when the UK was part of the EU, as ministers would blame the EU for their impotence).&nbsp;Now the UK is no longer part of the EU, and is without a full written constitution, once a party has a majority in Parliament, it can do anything! &nbsp;It may have to cede from some international treaties, or at least seek derogations or patience for some actions, but this is again fully in the power of the UK government.Another significant factor was the widely expressed dissatisfaction with the UK’s political elite. While the Conservatives have effectively alienated the public with many acts of sheer stupidity, nor is there any obvious appetite for a policy-free Labour government, lead by Sir Kier Starmer and Angela Rayner. &nbsp;The LibDems continue to be a bit player - famous for their local election canvassing prowess, but little else; with no prospect of being any better than the other two. The Greens are also ineffectual, having abandoned their Green crusade for what seems like a socialist agenda identical to the Labour Party. And as for the SNP - which is can still be "the balance of power broker" for the whole UK at Westminster... well, you couldn't make it up, could you?Most new political parties in the UK have been formed by a group of politicians splitting off from an existing one. These have typically had very short lives. The exception was The Brexit Party, which as a single issue party was able to shift the political agenda, even without ever gaining a single parliamentary seat. (The Reform Party, formed by the same people, has failed to gain significant support, possibly because of their legacy of being seen as part of the disgraced political elite.)Finally, I looked at the major changes in government in Europe. France and Italy in particular, threw out their legacy parties to elect a new broom. Sadly in each case, the new brooms were “politicians”, identical to the old ones, but with less experience! Replacing politicians with politicians doesn’t work!Inspiration! Not only design a new political party, but also design a change in how democracy works!Over various discussions and consultations, we formulated a number of innovations.Keep the promises for your first government modest, do not get sucked in to political dogma We ask the electorate what they want the government to do, rather than telling the electorate what the government will do, Acknowledge that those with an interest in maintaining the status quo, in particular politicians, lawyers, economists and accountants, are the enemy. Even when they say they are in favour of your ideas. (They lie!) Choose your battleground. So after a few months, the principle for the new party was refined to:-Provide effective government that delivers the services that the electorate wants, effectively and efficiently within the resources available. &nbsp;Market Testing Before one puts serious resources into an activity, it is always best to test market the ideas. &nbsp;This was done by face-to-face discussions with anyone and everyone one meets. Each of the reasons for doing the new party were tested, and for the most part virtually everyone agreed with the analysis that our political elite were not fit for purpose. They also liked the ideas of having service delivery at the front of the priorities. The radical change, from government telling the electorate to the electorate telling the government, was not taken on so readily. While people liked the idea “in principle”, this change, we think, was unfamiliar, and indeed their experience of “consultation” poisoned by how government has done it in the past.The other thing was their belief that fixing government could only be done by more money. The idea that the current systems were very inefficient wasn’t a problem, it was the belief that politicians could not change that system.The market testing also demonstrated the reluctance of nearly everyone to put effort into changing the system, or indeed being part of the system. The level of defeat, apathy, and “too busy” was a surprise. Even the retired declared themselves “too busy”!We do not underestimate the challenge ahead - but we are confident that the appetite for change has rarely been stronger.&nbsp;

The genesis of WOTE

<figure id="figure-67r5n5txwllnqaeudl"><iframe id="67r5n5txwllnqaeudl" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tqWnglFAIkY" class="w-full bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtube.com/shorts/tqWnglFAIkY" data-corners="default" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tqWnglFAIkY" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure> Oh dear oh dear... The full details of this are not yet known, but hundreds of demonstrators carrying the flag of a proscribed organisation were left alone. Yes, it was probably for his own safety - but what does that really say about the lawless state of London. Is this the will of the people?

How many police does it take to arrest a bloke carrying a Union Jack?

<h2>The Importance of Teaching Kids about Economics</h2>

As parents and educators, we often focus on teaching children the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic. While these subjects are undoubtedly important, it is equally crucial to introduce kids to the world of economics at an early age. Understanding the fundamentals of economics can help children develop essential skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

<h3>1. Financial Literacy</h3>
One of the primary reasons why teaching kids about economics is important is to promote financial literacy. By learning about concepts such as budgeting, saving, and investing, children can develop a solid foundation for making sound financial decisions in the future. Teaching them how money works and the value of saving from a young age can set them up for a lifetime of financial success.

<figure id="figure-2ouf60iwdalnhtp6k7"><img id="2ouf60iwdalnhtp6k7" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1648061557966-8e30f972f0be?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw0fHxjaGlsZHJlbiUyMGxlYXJuaW5nJTIwZWNvbm9taWNzfGVufDB8fHx8MTY5Njc5MTI0OXww&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=1080" alt="children learning economics" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9"></figure>

<h3>2. Critical Thinking</h3>
Studying economics encourages critical thinking skills in children. They learn to analyze problems, evaluate different options, and make informed decisions based on data and evidence. This ability to think critically and solve problems is invaluable in all aspects of life, not just economics. It helps children become independent thinkers who can navigate through complex situations confidently.

<h3>3. Understanding Supply and Demand</h3>
Teaching kids about economics introduces them to the concept of supply and demand. They learn how prices are determined by the balance between what people want and how much of it is available. This understanding can help children become savvy consumers who can make informed choices about their purchases and understand the impact of their decisions on the economy.

<figure id="figure-vc9kqnjl2dlnhtp9rq"><img id="vc9kqnjl2dlnhtp9rq" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1524503033411-c9566986fc8f?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw0fHxraWRzJTIwdW5kZXJzdGFuZGluZyUyMHN1cHBseSUyMGFuZCUyMGRlbWFuZHxlbnwwfHx8fDE2OTY3OTEyNTN8MA&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=1080" alt="kids understanding supply and demand" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9"></figure>

<h3>4. Entrepreneurship and Innovation</h3>
Learning about economics can inspire children to become entrepreneurs and innovators. When kids understand the principles of supply, demand, and competition, they can identify opportunities and develop creative solutions to meet consumer needs. By fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, we empower children to think outside the box and pursue their passions.

<h3>5. Global Awareness</h3>
Economics is a global subject that provides children with a broader perspective on the world. By learning about different economic systems, international trade, and global markets, kids become more aware of the interconnectedness of nations and the importance of cooperation. This knowledge promotes cultural understanding and prepares children to be global citizens.

<figure id="figure-yfxeq04xtlnhtpcv8"><img id="yfxeq04xtlnhtpcv8" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1649658112639-69ef0b3d2c4a?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw4fHxraWRzJTIwd2l0aCUyMGElMjBnbG9iZXxlbnwwfHx8fDE2OTY3OTEyNTd8MA&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=1080" alt="kids with a globe" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9"></figure>

<h3>6. Financial Responsibility</h3>
Teaching kids about economics helps instill a sense of financial responsibility. They learn the value of money, the importance of budgeting, and the consequences of overspending. By understanding the basic principles of economics, children are more likely to become financially responsible adults who can manage their resources wisely.

<h3>7. Empowering Future Leaders</h3>
By equipping children with economic knowledge, we are empowering them to become future leaders. Understanding economics allows kids to make informed decisions about policies, investments, and societal issues. It gives them the tools to contribute positively to their communities and make a difference in the world.

<figure id="figure-2m8i9yhbflnhtpfnw"><img id="2m8i9yhbflnhtpfnw" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1613950190144-4f2a84c75e8c?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyNHx8a2lkcyUyMHdpdGglMjBsZWFkZXJzaGlwJTIwcXVhbGl0aWVzfGVufDB8fHx8MTY5Njc5MTI2MXww&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=1080" alt="kids with leadership qualities" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9"></figure>

<h3>8. Building Strong Work Ethics</h3>
Teaching kids about economics also helps build strong work ethics. By learning about the value of hard work, the rewards of entrepreneurship, and the importance of saving for the future, children develop a sense of responsibility and determination. These qualities are essential for success in any career or endeavor.

Introducing children to the world of economics at an early age is a gift that will benefit them throughout their lives. By promoting financial literacy, critical thinking, and global awareness, we equip children with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. So let's start teaching our kids about economics and watch them grow into empowered, responsible, and successful individuals.

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