Is the British State Working Against Its Own People? A Conversation with Rupert Lowe
In a recent interview this February, Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe joined Peter McCormack to peel back the layers of Westminster, offering a sobering perspective on the current state of British governance. After 18 months on the inside—specifically sitting on the Public Accounts Committee—Lowe’s assessment is blunt: the state has ceased to be a servant of the electorate and has, in many ways, become its adversary.
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From Incompetence to Intent?
For many, the recurring stories of government waste and administrative failures are viewed as simple incompetence. However, Lowe suggests the problem is far more systemic. When asked if he believes the state is actively working against the British people, his answer was a resounding, "I do".
Lowe argues that the state has ballooned in size and influence, fueled by an ideology that prioritises collectivism over individualism. He points to a, "dependency culture", fostered by lawmakers—citing the influence of the Fabian Society within the Labour Party—as a calculated move to keep the populace reliant on the state rather than encouraging the self-reliance that builds a thriving, independent nation.
The Failure of the Political Class
One of the most striking points in the conversation was Lowe’s critique of the Conservative Party’s tenure. Despite holding power for 14 years and enjoying significant majorities, the Tories failed to dismantle the bureaucratic machine. According to Lowe, much of the problematic legislation that currently stifles the country originated under their watch.
Lowe further suggests that the system is designed to 'neuter' MPs. Through mechanisms like the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme and the reliance on parliamentary salaries, many representatives are effectively managed and kept in line, unable—or unwilling—to challenge the status quo. In an act of defiance against this system, Lowe continues to donate his parliamentary salary to charity, viewing the state’s current administrative structure as fundamentally broken.
The Legacy of Brexit and Beyond
Lowe highlighted the 2016 Brexit referendum as a turning point. He believes the public voted not just for economic reasons, but to reclaim their sovereignty and take back control. The refusal of the bureaucratic apparatus to respect that mandate laid bare the contempt that the, "head of the beast", has for the British electorate.
When asked by McCormack if the public should always treat the state as the enemy, Lowe drew parallels to the American Founding Fathers' intent: a system designed to limit federal power and protect individual liberty. He warned that if the British public does not grow a, "backbone", and demand a fundamental change in how they are governed, they risk losing the country they love.
A Call for Realism
Despite the grim diagnosis, Lowe remains undeterred. Now nearly two years into his role as an MP—a, "new career" started at 67—he stresses that his work on the Public Accounts Committee is beginning to yield results.
His message is clear: the current trajectory of the British state is unsustainable for future generations. Whether it is the waste of taxpayer money or the erosion of parliamentary sovereignty, the "machine" requires a complete overhaul.
This discussion served as a wake-up call. The state is no longer a neutral administrator; it is an ideological actor. For those who value freedom, self-reliance, and accountability, the time for complacency has long passed.
An Existential Crisis
More of the discussion paints a stark picture of British politics, suggesting that the traditional red and blue parties are not just struggling but are facing an, "existential crisis". The exchange between these two men delves deep into the widespread disillusionment among the electorate, the perceived failings of Parliament, and the potential for a seismic shift in the political landscape.
McCormack continued the discussion by highlighting the unprecedented leakage of Conservative voters to Reform UK and the alarming polling data suggesting Labour could be reduced to a handful of seats in a future election. He pondered if something 'darker' and outside the parties' control was at play, almost implying a self-destructive tendency within the established order.
The Rise of the "Uni-Party" and a Hollowed-Out Parliament
Rupert Lowe, now as a prominent figure in the 'Restore Britain' movement, offered a powerful, if bleak, diagnosis. He argued that the British people have awakened to the reality of a, "uni-party", where the perceived choice between Labour and Conservative has been an illusion. This lack of genuine distinction, he believes, has severely hollowed out Parliament.
Lowe reminisced about a time when 650, "high-minded individuals", genuinely debated for the nation's good, even while scrapping for local advantage. Today, he contends, this essence is lost, replaced by selection processes that prioritise conformity over genuine leadership. He dismissed the Green Party and Lib Dems as equally incapable of leading the nation, further underlining his belief that the traditional reds and blues have let people down consistently.
This disillusionment, Lowe suggests, has been fuelled by, "legislation on a grand scale which has curbed individual freedom", and undermined Parliament's proper functioning. The public, he observes, is now in a, "febrile mood", actively seeking change. While acknowledging Reform UK's current influence, he cautions about, "peak reform", and the perennial challenge of egos splitting the right, yet believes the momentum for change is undeniable.
Economic Realities and the Shadow of Chaos
Lowe didn't shy away from economic realities, pointing to the NHS – originally a, "token thrown at the people after the war" – as now, "completely unsustainable", particularly in the absence of a robust economy to fund it. He expressed deep concern over potential future Labour leadership, describing them as, "jokers", with, "no idea what drives an economy". His critique extends to politicians who have, "clamoured their way up the greasy pole within the Civil Service or within local government", and lack real-world business experience, yet presume to make critical decisions for the nation.
The cumulative effect, according to Lowe, is an inevitable march towards chaos. "When you get chaos, you get change", he stated, predicting, "currency chaos", and, "economic chaos". This sentiment underscores a widespread feeling that the current trajectory is unsustainable.
Unveiling Government Waste: Insights from the Public Accounts Committee
Perhaps the most damning indictment of the current system came from Lowe's experience on the Public Accounts Committee. Despite being put there by the Tories, he quickly became a disruptive force, asking, "quite direct questions", that made some Lib Dem and Labour members question his appointment.
His findings were unequivocal: "Waste everywhere. Billions… Billions and billions and billions". This colossal waste, he explained, stems from a fundamental, "lack of accountability". He pointed to an excessive number of government bodies, quangos, and non-governmental organisations, all running up, "vast accountancy fees and legal fees". His core question – "who carries the can if this goes wrong?" – often met with the frustrating answer: "there is no distinct person who carries the can".
From the DWP to DEFRA, Lowe found a, "mishmash of failure", across almost every department. He lambasted HMRC for, "crushing productive Britain with all these taxes to pay for this waste", even citing the, "unnecessary waste", around the topic of the Chagos Islands. He argued it's a, "ridiculous concept", to damage the productive sector to fund such inefficiency.
Lowe passionately argued that the government is failing in its most basic duties: protecting borders and ensuring national defence. He concluded: "the right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing. It is complete and utter chaos. And it... needs total reform and it needs to be totally changed".
Heading for Change, Driven by Discontent
The conversation leaves little doubt that a significant portion of the British populace feels unheard and underserved by the current political establishment. The perceived, "uni-party", the hollowing out of Parliament, unchecked government waste, and a looming economic crisis are all contributing to a, "febrile mood", and a desperate yearning for something different.
While the exact nature of the coming change remains uncertain, Rupert Lowe's chilling prediction suggests it will be born from chaos. The question for many Britons now is not if change will come, but how profound it will be, and whether it can truly deliver the reform the nation so desperately needs.
.jpg)
From Incompetence to Intent?
For many, the recurring stories of government waste and administrative failures are viewed as simple incompetence. However, Lowe suggests the problem is far more systemic. When asked if he believes the state is actively working against the British people, his answer was a resounding, "I do".
Lowe argues that the state has ballooned in size and influence, fueled by an ideology that prioritises collectivism over individualism. He points to a, "dependency culture", fostered by lawmakers—citing the influence of the Fabian Society within the Labour Party—as a calculated move to keep the populace reliant on the state rather than encouraging the self-reliance that builds a thriving, independent nation.
The Failure of the Political Class
One of the most striking points in the conversation was Lowe’s critique of the Conservative Party’s tenure. Despite holding power for 14 years and enjoying significant majorities, the Tories failed to dismantle the bureaucratic machine. According to Lowe, much of the problematic legislation that currently stifles the country originated under their watch.
Lowe further suggests that the system is designed to 'neuter' MPs. Through mechanisms like the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme and the reliance on parliamentary salaries, many representatives are effectively managed and kept in line, unable—or unwilling—to challenge the status quo. In an act of defiance against this system, Lowe continues to donate his parliamentary salary to charity, viewing the state’s current administrative structure as fundamentally broken.
The Legacy of Brexit and Beyond
Lowe highlighted the 2016 Brexit referendum as a turning point. He believes the public voted not just for economic reasons, but to reclaim their sovereignty and take back control. The refusal of the bureaucratic apparatus to respect that mandate laid bare the contempt that the, "head of the beast", has for the British electorate.
When asked by McCormack if the public should always treat the state as the enemy, Lowe drew parallels to the American Founding Fathers' intent: a system designed to limit federal power and protect individual liberty. He warned that if the British public does not grow a, "backbone", and demand a fundamental change in how they are governed, they risk losing the country they love.
A Call for Realism
Despite the grim diagnosis, Lowe remains undeterred. Now nearly two years into his role as an MP—a, "new career" started at 67—he stresses that his work on the Public Accounts Committee is beginning to yield results.
His message is clear: the current trajectory of the British state is unsustainable for future generations. Whether it is the waste of taxpayer money or the erosion of parliamentary sovereignty, the "machine" requires a complete overhaul.
This discussion served as a wake-up call. The state is no longer a neutral administrator; it is an ideological actor. For those who value freedom, self-reliance, and accountability, the time for complacency has long passed.
An Existential Crisis
More of the discussion paints a stark picture of British politics, suggesting that the traditional red and blue parties are not just struggling but are facing an, "existential crisis". The exchange between these two men delves deep into the widespread disillusionment among the electorate, the perceived failings of Parliament, and the potential for a seismic shift in the political landscape.
McCormack continued the discussion by highlighting the unprecedented leakage of Conservative voters to Reform UK and the alarming polling data suggesting Labour could be reduced to a handful of seats in a future election. He pondered if something 'darker' and outside the parties' control was at play, almost implying a self-destructive tendency within the established order.
The Rise of the "Uni-Party" and a Hollowed-Out Parliament
Rupert Lowe, now as a prominent figure in the 'Restore Britain' movement, offered a powerful, if bleak, diagnosis. He argued that the British people have awakened to the reality of a, "uni-party", where the perceived choice between Labour and Conservative has been an illusion. This lack of genuine distinction, he believes, has severely hollowed out Parliament.
Lowe reminisced about a time when 650, "high-minded individuals", genuinely debated for the nation's good, even while scrapping for local advantage. Today, he contends, this essence is lost, replaced by selection processes that prioritise conformity over genuine leadership. He dismissed the Green Party and Lib Dems as equally incapable of leading the nation, further underlining his belief that the traditional reds and blues have let people down consistently.
This disillusionment, Lowe suggests, has been fuelled by, "legislation on a grand scale which has curbed individual freedom", and undermined Parliament's proper functioning. The public, he observes, is now in a, "febrile mood", actively seeking change. While acknowledging Reform UK's current influence, he cautions about, "peak reform", and the perennial challenge of egos splitting the right, yet believes the momentum for change is undeniable.
Economic Realities and the Shadow of Chaos
Lowe didn't shy away from economic realities, pointing to the NHS – originally a, "token thrown at the people after the war" – as now, "completely unsustainable", particularly in the absence of a robust economy to fund it. He expressed deep concern over potential future Labour leadership, describing them as, "jokers", with, "no idea what drives an economy". His critique extends to politicians who have, "clamoured their way up the greasy pole within the Civil Service or within local government", and lack real-world business experience, yet presume to make critical decisions for the nation.
The cumulative effect, according to Lowe, is an inevitable march towards chaos. "When you get chaos, you get change", he stated, predicting, "currency chaos", and, "economic chaos". This sentiment underscores a widespread feeling that the current trajectory is unsustainable.
Unveiling Government Waste: Insights from the Public Accounts Committee
Perhaps the most damning indictment of the current system came from Lowe's experience on the Public Accounts Committee. Despite being put there by the Tories, he quickly became a disruptive force, asking, "quite direct questions", that made some Lib Dem and Labour members question his appointment.
His findings were unequivocal: "Waste everywhere. Billions… Billions and billions and billions". This colossal waste, he explained, stems from a fundamental, "lack of accountability". He pointed to an excessive number of government bodies, quangos, and non-governmental organisations, all running up, "vast accountancy fees and legal fees". His core question – "who carries the can if this goes wrong?" – often met with the frustrating answer: "there is no distinct person who carries the can".
From the DWP to DEFRA, Lowe found a, "mishmash of failure", across almost every department. He lambasted HMRC for, "crushing productive Britain with all these taxes to pay for this waste", even citing the, "unnecessary waste", around the topic of the Chagos Islands. He argued it's a, "ridiculous concept", to damage the productive sector to fund such inefficiency.
Lowe passionately argued that the government is failing in its most basic duties: protecting borders and ensuring national defence. He concluded: "the right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing. It is complete and utter chaos. And it... needs total reform and it needs to be totally changed".
Heading for Change, Driven by Discontent
The conversation leaves little doubt that a significant portion of the British populace feels unheard and underserved by the current political establishment. The perceived, "uni-party", the hollowing out of Parliament, unchecked government waste, and a looming economic crisis are all contributing to a, "febrile mood", and a desperate yearning for something different.
While the exact nature of the coming change remains uncertain, Rupert Lowe's chilling prediction suggests it will be born from chaos. The question for many Britons now is not if change will come, but how profound it will be, and whether it can truly deliver the reform the nation so desperately needs.
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