Agree Quote by Tony Benn
“If democracy is destroyed in Britain, it will be not the communists, Trotskyists or subversives but this House which threw it away. The rights that are entrusted to us are not for us to give away. Even if I agree with everything that is proposed, I cannot hand away powers lent to me for five years by the people of Chesterfield. I just could not do it. It would be theft of public rights.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: House of Commons, 1970s (UK Parliament)
He warns that elected officials must not surrender their mandate, as doing so would betray the public trust and amount to theft of democratic rights.
In simple terms: Politicians must protect the power given by voters.
Key Takeaway
Never relinquish authority granted by the people.
Themes
democracy
responsibility
integrity
Mood
concerned
determined
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- legislative voting
- policy decisions
- constituent representation
Key Concepts
public trust
political ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards ensure elected officials honor their mandate?
- How can citizens hold representatives accountable?
A Different Perspective
Power can be eroded by party pressure.
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