Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

International Day of Democracy

16 September 2025 · 18 other contributors · 13,654 words

Opened by Rachel Blake Labour (Co-op) Cities of London and Westminster

Responding minister: Chris Elmore

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

At a glance

Rachel Blake raised concerns about international day of democracy in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • The International Day of Democracy has not been marked by the UK Parliament since 2017.
  • Globally, democracy declined for six consecutive years with 60 countries experiencing deterioration in political rights and liberties.
  • The lead MP calls for a stronger, wider, and deeper democracy that tolerates diverse views expressed peacefully and democratically.

Key requests to Government

The lead MP asks for a stronger, wider, and deeper democracy that tolerates diverse views expressed peacefully and democratically. She also calls for preserving fundamental British values and upholding the European convention on human rights.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Rachel Blake Labour (Co-op) Cities of London and Westminster

The International Day of Democracy has not been marked by this House since 2017. This period saw Parliament unlawfully prorogued, restrictions on voting and freedom of protest, and a Prime Minister breaking lockdown rules. Globally, democracy declined for six consecutive years with 60 countries experiencing deterioration in political rights and liberties while only 34 secured improvements. In the UK, there are increasing radicalizations to far-left and far-right politics, posing threats to democratic values.

Other contributors (18)
  • Andrew Lewin Lab Welwyn Hatfield

    Discussed the need for civility in Parliament, condemned Elon Musk's comments, and highlighted the importance of defending democracy. Emphasised the significance of respectful debates for democratic progress.

  • Jeevun Sandher Lab Loughborough

    Discusses the division in the nation caused by economics, geography and online presence. Emphasises the need for a policy answer to provide good jobs and end loneliness, and a political answer based on unity, decency and determination.

  • Sandher Con Loughborough

    Discussed how investment in social contracts can help overcome societal divisions.

  • Focused on the role of women in politics.

  • James MacCleary LD Lewes

    Speaks about the crisis in democracy and the importance of respecting democratic freedoms. Mentions Georgia's situation where EU accession talks were suspended and protests are ongoing. Highlighted the vital role of international support for democratic contributions and values.

  • James Naish LD Great Yarmouth

    The MP agrees that the local level is where we see democracy work well with councillors representing communities. He supports empowering local councillors to deliver for their communities. Asked if the hon. Member agreed that banning journalists from attending meetings is avoiding accountability. Stressed the importance of local community contributions to democracy.

  • Jim Allister TUV North Antrim

    Talked about the Windsor framework's implications for democracy.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Stressed the importance of democracy, morality, and standing up against political violence. Paid tribute to free speech and its importance in democratic societies.

  • John Slinger Con Cities of London and Westminster

    Emphasised the importance of respecting others' opinions in Parliament. Argued for the necessity of nurturing democracy.

  • Liz Saville Roberts PC Dwyfor Meirionnydd

    The MP highlights concerns about Elon Musk's justification for division and violence, emphasising the need to counter rising authoritarianism. She discusses the impact of austerity on public services and mentions the importance of institutions like the Westminster Foundation for Democracy in strengthening democracy. Agreed with the concerns about UK democracy, highlighting the potential for enhanced global presence by supporting democratic allies. Addressed the rise of disinformation and authoritarianism.

  • Lizzi Collinge Lab Morecambe and Lunesdale

    Referenced Orwellian thought regarding Elon Musk's actions and questioned his interpretation of George Orwell’s work. Questions whether some statements made by Charlie Kirk could have made others feel threatened and unsafe to express their views freely. Called for a national commission on electoral reform to examine all options impartially, noting the need for more proportionate voting systems that still allow for constituency representation. Discussed electoral reform in detail.

  • Campbell UUP East Londonderry

    Emphasised the importance of free speech in democracy.

  • Gregory Campbell DUP East Londonderry

    Welcomes the point made by Rachel Blake that democracy needs to be strong enough to tolerate views we may fundamentally disagree with, as long as they are expressed peacefully and democratically. Highlights the concerning aftermath of Charlie Kirk's murder, where some justified his death, emphasizing the need for caution in the context of such violent acts.

  • Morrison Lab Cheadle

    Highlighted the values of democracy and their importance.

  • Simon Morrison LD Swindon North

    Supported increasing the aid budget to strengthen democratic allies and praised the work of Westminster Foundation for Democracy in supporting democratic nations.

  • Tom Morrison LD Cheadle

    Highlighted the decline in global freedom levels and the importance of standing up against violence in support of democracy.

  • Phil Brickell Lab Bolton West

    He agrees with stricter enforcement required on the revolving door between Governments and the private sector due to recent reporting on former PM Boris Johnson's commercial activities. Discussed lobbying rules and the risks associated with revolving doors.

  • Richard Foord Con Honiton and Sidmouth

    Suggests considering the alternative ways in which we can conduct our democracy such as replacing first past the post with proportional representation to address under-representation by smaller political parties. Talked about electoral reform and its significance for democratic processes.

Government Response

Chris Elmore

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs

Thanked Andrew Rosindell for his remarks about the appointment and acknowledged Britain's role in promoting democracy internationally. We continue to call on Hong Kong authorities to release Jimmy Lai, and we are working with partners at home and abroad to strengthen democratic principles. The Government have taken steps such as giving 16-year-olds the right to vote, introducing tougher rules on political donations, empowering local leaders and mayors in England, protecting ourselves from overseas threats through the defending democracy taskforce, and supporting elections and Parliaments in over 30 countries.

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