How the government’s desperation to protect itself galvanised the British public

Ahead of the spending review and big announcements about the UK’s course of action this winter, the urge to speak out about this disregard for democracy will grow stronger, writes Kuba Shand-Baptiste

Priti Patel seems to be getting away with breaking the ministerial code (AFP/Getty)

From bullying investigations to Brexit, to growing concern about the economy, we’ve seen the government go to greater lengths to protect itself in recent weeks.  

Calls for the prime minister to punish, instead of vehemently protect, the home secretary following a damning report into her conduct, have, for now, gone unheard. As the PPE contract scandal becomes weightier, our leaders seem to have grown quieter. Other issues, such as lockdown easing, if it is anything like the last, will be likely to draw yet more ire in the weeks to come. Denied of transparency and a positive outlook, the public will become angrier – and more vocal too.  

If there’s one positive to come out of the government’s shambolic handling of the pandemic, let alone day to day duties of running the UK, it’s that. Voters and politicians alike will not forget this relentless barrage of issues. And they will, if they haven’t already, speak out. On the Voices desk, that’s never been truer.