"The level of political debate was a joke." Pro-Brexit campaigners protest alongside pro-Europe protesters as they take part in a March for Europe rally following June 2016's EU referendum. Chris Radburn PA Wire/PA Images. All rights reserved.In Britain our democratic institutions are being put under more and more strain. June’s Brexit vote has raised crippling questions of our unwritten constitution, whilst exposing the realities of a population that is increasingly marginalised and disenfranchised along the lines of age, class, gender and race. The level of political debate was a joke. Political apathy is rife and for many, participation and deliberation remain completely inaccessible.
This is a deeply important story that we’ve heard dozens of times in recent months, but the path to a healthier, more inclusive democracy remains unclear.
As a media partner for November’s World Forum for Democracy in Strasbourg, openDemocracy recently attended Skills for Democracy, an open forum convened by Democracy Matters in the House of Commons. The event had parliamentary support from Graham Allan MP and Lord Blunkett, and featured a varied panel – including openDemocracy editor, Rosemary Bechler – that represented the remarkable range of organisations engaged with the twin issues of citizenship and democracy education.For many, participation and deliberation remain completely inaccessible
