OurKingdom will be a modest section of openDemocracy’s new site. Its focus is on the destiny of Britain. It will discuss Britain’s nations, institutions, constitution, administration, liberties, justice, peoples and media and their principles, identity and character. In a word our democracy in its broadest meaning, its history and future, from culture, participation and issues of centralisation and authority to equality, rights, responsibilities and who rules.
OurKingdom begins with a conversation in blog form between people holding a wide range of views who share a concern about these matters. The aim is a discussion about how the country’s policies are made rather than what these policies are. From health and education, to crime and climate change, to war and peace, policy ‘outcomes’ to use the jargon, are obviously important. But in today’s world means and ends are co-joined: how things come about influence what they really are. The politicians and media prefer to talk about the ends (while keeping their methods to themselves). We will talk about the means.
