Lonely Citizens

Article

This report points to the deep structural and cultural changes needed if we are to engage more citizens in government and the public realm. These citizens play an indispensable role in holding power to account and ensuring that public services and government are responsive to the views and values of citizens.

This report focuses on active citizenship as civic participation in politics and governance rather than volunteering or acting as a good neighbour. Its argument starts with the claim that while the UK and democracies like ours rely on expert representatives and professional civil institutions to defend the public interest, they also require active citizens.

These citizens play an indispensable role in holding power to account and ensuring that public services and government are responsive to the views and values of citizens.

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