The Cabinet Manual - as close as the UK has ever come to a written constitution - is near completion. But the British people are largely unaware of this guide to the operation of their government, despite its many flaws that urgently need addressing
Europe’s crisis is a crisis of democracy. The ‘democracy of the experts’ cannot deliver: representative democracy is incapable of channelling demands in the political system. More participatory and deliberative democracy is needed, as argued in Europe’s public spaces by the movements of ‘ indignad
OurKingdom is taking a week-long break from publishing, from today to the end of the month. We will be back with renewed vigour from 1 September.
What might we hope for from life? Watching the London riots from afar John Berger finds a small passport that lets him visualise what is missing from a looter's expectations
Corporate and financial power has always influenced governments. But in Britain, reflecting a global trend, the balance is now grossly in favour of big business. A new Democratic Audit paper analyses the contemporary reality of UK governance
The riots and their aftermath invoked both shame and pride in England. Many members of the Islamic and other minority faith communities were praised for their bravery and dignity. But will this change the English public's attitude towards Muslims?
Simon Parker, Coordinator End Child Detention Now, reports from Edinburgh on Catherine O’Shea’s chilling take on the UK asylum system
Before the riots, young people growing up in poverty in London faced the threat of criminalisation. Now, living publicly in the city as a deprived young person practically amounts to criminal activity
The government is embarking on large-scale privatisation of British prisons, despite research indicating that private prisons are more likely to be dangerous and more costly in the long run
Britain's baby boomers gave little thought to the next generation, while the state has gradually abrogated its duties towards the young. So don't denounce the parents of the rioters: it is the parents' generation that is to blame
