If democracy is destroyed in Britain it will be not the communists, Trotskyists or subversives but this House which threw it away. The rights that are entrusted to us are not for us to give away. Even if I agree with everything that is proposed, I cannot hand away powers lent to me for five years by the people of Chesterfield. I just could not do it. It would be theft of public rights.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Democracy is at risk from elected officials giving away powers, not external enemies. These rights are lent by people.
- In plain terms
- Officials must not give away public power; they are just temporary custodians.
- What can you take from it?
- Representatives must protect public power, not give it away.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who holds power when representatives give it away?
- How do you prevent power erosion?
Another view
Some power transfers may be necessary for effective governance in complex situations.
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