Britain is trapped in a 'doom loop' where declining trust in government leads to poor delivery, further eroding trust, according to Polly Curtis, chief executive of Demos. In her latest paper, she argues that this cycle is accelerating and poses a democratic emergency that mainstream politics is failing to address.
The Trust Crisis
Curtis highlights that voters are not just disillusioned with the current government but with democracy itself. This weary scepticism is evident in polls, focus groups, and public sentiment. Politicians recognise this, but it makes the country ungovernable. 'You can't lead a country that has no faith in you,' she writes, comparing it to a toxic workplace where culture undermines strategy.
The Doom Loop
She describes the 'doom loop': people distrust the government, so the government cannot deliver, which further erodes trust. This cycle speeds up as voters turn to wildcard alternatives, increasing the risk of democratic backsliding. Curtis warns that the far right and left offer simplistic solutions, while the centre gets lost in details, and Tony Blair's call for strong leadership misses the need for listening and giving people a voice.
A Hope Loop: More Democracy
Curtis proposes a 'hope loop' based on upgrading democracy rather than abandoning it. She calls for a new operating system, including proportional representation and Australian-style compulsory voting to equalise votes. More rapidly, everyday democracy needs to change through citizens' assemblies, AI-powered participation, and devolving power to communities, which can speed up and de-risk decision-making.
New Delivery Systems
Public services must shift from a culture of rationing and blame to one of respect, preventing problems before they occur. This requires replacing Blair's 'choice and competition' model with a reform agenda that works more humanly, improving efficiency and trust.
New Information Systems
Social media has fragmented shared narratives, making democracy epistemically insecure. Curtis urges strengthening the BBC, supporting local news, and holding social media companies accountable for promoting trusted information. Media literacy must be taken seriously to counter misinformation.
A New Deal
A new compact between state, citizen, and markets is needed, where government curbs market excesses and ensures equitable growth from AI disruption. Citizens must accept sacrifices, like higher taxes, but not bear all the burden. This deal demands honesty and bravery, building trust simultaneously.
Urgency and Danger
Curtis warns that democracy becomes harder to repair towards the end of political cycles, as survival instincts override resilience. 'It is so much easier to destroy than rebuild,' she says. Political leadership must upgrade democracy now to meet the moment of real danger. If leaders do not prioritise fixing democracy while there is still time, she argues, who is prime minister may not matter.
