Urging you to read @davidallengreen.bsky.social on the powers of a potential illiberal government in the UK. Not someone prone to exaggeration. Really troubling and important piece. davidallengreen.com/2025/08/yes-...
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Not sure if this is 100% accurate. The monarch retains the authority to dismiss the government, call a general election, and mobilize the army. The determining issue would be the level of support for the crown. In extremis, the royal family are more than a soap opera and tourist attraction.
aug 27, 2025, 12:11 pm • 0 0 • view
Specifics of constitutional law aside, the point at which the legacy powers of the monarchy are the only hope of preserving democracy is not one a modern state should reach.
aug 27, 2025, 12:29 pm • 1 0 • view
I can't think of a better one. A head of state picked randomly by biological processes, who has all the wealth and celebrity any one could ask for, and who can only act outside of government advice when backed by the manifest will of the people, seems just the job for me.
aug 27, 2025, 12:46 pm • 0 0 • view
So… is there something the current government could usefully do to forestall this inevitably? (We don’t suppose they WILL, but could they?) @davidallengreen.bsky.social ?
aug 27, 2025, 11:41 am • 0 0 • view
Thank you Nick
aug 27, 2025, 10:03 am • 2 0 • view
I'm going to make this my lunchtime reading but future me is probably going to regret the stress related heartburn.
aug 27, 2025, 11:27 am • 1 0 • view
Sorry!
aug 27, 2025, 11:30 am • 1 0 • view
but very well written David and everyone with any sense should be aware of this.
aug 27, 2025, 11:58 am • 0 0 • view
I'm sure it's all going to be fine - the word "competent" is written large across my mind right now. Pity we can't rely on that to save us. Why the lack of concern from Labour? Why no attempt to shore things up? That's rhetorical - they can't comprehend losing to Reform.
aug 27, 2025, 11:56 am • 0 0 • view
Heads cannot be buried in hypothetical sand!
aug 27, 2025, 11:44 am • 0 0 • view
You’re welcome, of course, but I feel the thanks should flow the other way.
aug 27, 2025, 10:10 am • 3 0 • view
Indeed. Some in the commentariat congratulate themselves on their conclusion that Farage’s plan is illegal/unworkable, ignoring law-flouting precedents of Johnson/Cummings & the fact that Farage, like populists before him, doesn’t need a plan. He needs intention, a Commons majority & an enabling act
aug 27, 2025, 10:07 am • 3 0 • view
The concentrated executive power he would enjoy as British PM would also be the envy of many leaders in the developed world
aug 27, 2025, 10:09 am • 2 0 • view
Is it possible, before 2029, for the current government to introduce legislation that would limit the power of a potential illiberal future government? Asking on behalf of all concerned but lacking in understanding of the law.
aug 27, 2025, 10:18 am • 3 0 • view
You’d have to ask @davidallengreen.bsky.social - my guess would be “ish”.
aug 27, 2025, 10:20 am • 1 0 • view
If, in theory, they can do anything. There must be *some*thing, surely?
aug 27, 2025, 11:44 am • 1 0 • view