“Did 2025 mark the end of British parliamentary democracy as we know it?” asks the headline on Andy Beckett’s article (25 December). Let’s hope not, but the case for moving to a proportional-representation-based system seems clear. The disillusion with Westminster, however, surely stems from the growing gap between House of Commons politics and extra-parliamentary politics in workplaces, communities and the streets. Hundreds of thousands have continued to march on Palestine in 2025. Some nods to this have been made – recognition of a Palestinian state. However, arms sales to Israel continue, as do official relations with Tel Aviv. Meanwhile, hardly a week goes by without the government finding new ways to restrict protest. In 2026, we will need to see a battle to defend democracy from above, but also crucially from below.
Keith Flett
Tottenham, London
Kmflett's Blog 
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