ABSTRACT
In the previous chapter, Douglas Lewis has grappled bravely with many of the key constitutional, social and political questions of our time, and manages to bring them together in a uniquely thought provoking and provocative way. I find myself agreeing with him on a number of points, the most important of which is that we both start with the absolute primacy and inalienability of individual human rights, and following from this premise, on the corresponding need to ensure that all economic, social and political institutions are, at the very least, compatible with those rights. We also agree on the superiority of decentralised over centralised institutional arrangements, and we both share serious concerns about the tendency over the last two decades to centralise power in this country in a secretive and often unaccountable central government. Movements to break Whitehall’s grip and devolve powers back towards the people are therefore to be welcomed. So, too, is recent talk of community politics, stakeholding, and so forth – provided it does actually lead to worthwhile reforms and is not just more hot air or, worse, would lead to yet further violations of the individual human rights.
