British parliamentary democracy has developed over the centuries and is often seen as a model for other countries. At its best, the system works for the public good, curbs corruption and prevents tyranny by the executive.

But it is not without faults. The division between the party (or parties in power) and the opposition means that confrontation is built into the system.

Confrontation based on competition for power is not necessarily a bad thing. It forces those in power to justify their actions and the opposition to explain what they would do if they achieved power. But it only works well if the politicians in power and in opposition behave sensibly and reasonably.