In my column last week I wrote about the intolerance of some remain voters but it would be remiss this week not to be equally critical of the outrage aimed at our High Court after our judiciary showed their independence. Just as the referendum was a wonderful example of our democracy sticking it to the Government, so too is the High Court judgement. It is wholly inconsistent to argue on the one hand that Brexit is about restoring the sovereignty of our Parliament and the supremacy of our courts, whilst on the other hand feeling aggrieved when our courts exercise that power and/or some parliamentarians want a say. Even, as I do, if you think they’re wrong.
It is oddly fitting therefore that this debate should rage in the weeks before we remember the sacrifice of the millions who have given their lives in defence of our freedom and our democracy. They paid the ultimate price so that we could get wound up by the judgement of our judges. Their families never saw them again so that we could live in a democracy which respected the freely expressed will of the majority. They faced that danger and made that sacrifice so that we could have such a fierce debate led by strong, free press.
So as we pause on Remembrance Sunday, let us remember that whilst democracy is imperfect and some people use their freedom to do things that we don’t agree with; there are millions who have been willing to pay whatever price has been necessary so that we can exercise our democratic right to respectfully disagree with each other. Let’s not let them down by forgetting that.