The UK was renowned the world over as a proud beacon of parliamentary democracy that guaranteed the freedoms, rights and liberties of its citizens. The world looked to us when fascism, communism and tyranny stalked the earth. The British people respected their old and famous institutions and revered those who served in them with a mature and considered admiration. All of this was conditioned on the fact that we were assured that our representatives and institutions would govern in the interests of the people. We can no longer be sure of this.