In reply to PaulHarris:
I think it's difficult to say whether or not we live in a democracy. Certainly everyone has the right to vote unhindered by government intervention which is a key facet of democracy.
However in Britain there is no codified constitution which means that the government and judiciary are quite free to behave as they see applicable without fear of redress aside from outside influences (such as the EU and UN). The people of Britain have no clear bill of rights which again means they are reliant on outside influences for protection. This is not ideal but not undemocratic.
Also in this country the voting system is outdated, bias toward existing large parties and thereby powerful business interests. Again this is arguably still fully within the realms of democracy but a system based on PR would be much fairer and provide minority groups with a voice. In my opinion it is not in the peoples interests to continue with our current system but it is still not undemocratic.
Large portions of our country and economy are run by un-elected committees and quangos. This is not democratic and these bodies are not directly answerable to the people.
Finally but most importantly in my opinion, the government abuses its position and restricts our behaviour unnecessarily. Our right to protest is often denied. We are not free to dress or undress as we like. Our property laws are ridiculous and as a result many people are homeless yet squatting is illegal in existing properties. The police have far too much money and power.
Our drugs policy is contradictory and inconsistent. Despite the fact that other countries have been successfully dealing with drug use as a medical issue for forty years, our government still fires its own experts when they produce scientific evidence which renders our archaic laws as unsubstantiated and damaging to peoples health.
In light of this, telling lies about drugs and failing to provide testers for users is no less than murder, and our politicians should be held to account.
For those who think we live in a Utopian democracy you're living in a dream land. This is not a dictatorship in the traditional sense, but we have no rights, no suitable voting system and a weak government that favours multi-national industry over the good of its people.
So democracy but a f*%king sh&t one if you ask me...