Democracy and Unelected Strong Leaders

Lord Kirkhope of Harrogate Excerpts

Thursday 3rd April 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)]

My Lords, there is a responsibility on us all to demonstrate the genuine value of democracy and to fight for change for our communities and people up and down the country. That is why this Government have a clear plan for change and are delivering on our mission-driven government.

[Lord Kirkhope of Harrogate (Con)]

My Lords, we have all failed as politicians in our use of populism, rhetoric, abuse of social media and soundbites—finding easy solutions to complex problems. Does the Minister agree that we need to respond to the wishes of young people and give them a much greater stake in what we are doing so that they feel much more included than they have so far?

[Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)]

My Lords, I think everybody in your Lordships’ House would agree that there is no politics of easy answers. We have a responsibility to engage on the issues that matter to everyone in this country, regardless of where they are, to make sure that people know that politics makes a difference in their lives. That includes young people, which is why this Government are bringing forward votes at 16.