As the drumbeat of far-right resurgence echoes across Western democracies, the United Kingdom faces an existential choice. With Donald Trump reclaiming the White House and Europe’s hard-right politicians gathering to celebrate, it’s time for Britain to shore up its democratic defenses. The best bulwark against extremism capturing power without majority consent? Proportional representation (PR).
Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, recently sounded the alarm, warning that “the spectre of a resurgent fascism haunts the west.” He urged ministers to be “unflinching in defence of our democracy and values,” calling out the danger of “a billionaire bully” using social media to spread lies and “advance the cause of the far right.” Spot on—but there’s an even more fundamental safeguard.
The PR Imperative
To truly protect democracy, the UK must abandon its antiquated first-past-the-post (FPTP) electoral system. Under FPTP, it’s all too easy for a hardline minority to seize absolute power without majority support. PR is the antidote, ensuring that Parliament reflects the will of the people.
Just ask Canada’s outgoing PM Justin Trudeau, who recently shared his “greatest regret”:
I do wish that we’d been able to change the way we elect our governments in this country.
— Justin Trudeau, former Prime Minister of Canada
Trudeau had promised to make 2015 the last FPTP election. He summoned a cross-party committee that agreed to a referendum on reform, but allowed his own party to sabotage it. A familiar story—Tony Blair also reneged on electoral reforms he had agreed with the Lib Dems. The status quo has a way of seducing those in power.
Labour’s Dilemma
In 2024, the UK’s Labour Party won a landslide 411 seats—the most unjust result ever—despite earning only 33.7% of the vote. As leader, Keir Starmer had voiced support for reform:
On electoral reform, we’ve got to address the fact that millions of people vote in safe seats and they feel their voice doesn’t count.
— Keir Starmer, Labour Party Leader
Yet electoral reform vanished from Labour’s manifesto. Now wielding a disproportionate majority, will Starmer have the courage to relinquish it for the sake of democracy? Under PR, here’s how the 2024 Parliament would look:
| Party | FPTP Seats | PR Seats |
| Labour | 411 | 228 |
| Conservatives | 139 | 139 |
| Lib Dems | 23 | 73 |
| Greens | 1 | 71 |
| Reform UK | 5 | 100 |
Yes, the far-right Reform UK would hold 100 seats. But they would never govern alone. Labour would lead a left coalition and be forced to compromise with partners—yielding more stable, consensus-driven policy. Crucially, it would preclude a right-wing minority from imposing its will.
The Path Forward
Public support for PR is growing. 42% would view Labour more favorably if it backed reform. The alternative vote (AV) referendum in 2011 initially polled well, until a lavishly funded “no” campaign drowned it in myths. The opposition must do better next time.
Keir Starmer claims to put “country before party.” If he means it, he must act now—not lament a lost chance when leaving office. Set up a commission, make the case, get a mandate. Carpe diem, before it’s too late.
The world is watching Britain, as it watched America’s capitol under siege. It’s time to bolster the ramparts of freedom. The best defense of democracy is more democracy—and that means proportional representation. The future of the UK, and the free world, may depend on it.
