In the battle for democracy, the frontline is everywhere – and we must all join the fight
3 min read
The shocks to the international system in the last year – and especially in the last few weeks – have put the long decline in levels of democracy in the world into glaringly sharp perspective.
There is a link between the discarding of commitments to international rules and the 20-year erosion of standards of democracy in countries around the world.
We know that living in a democracy increases your life expectancy. It makes it more likely you drink clean water, get an education, and benefit from economic growth. It makes you less likely to have to endure conflict.
These truths have underpinned global commitments to our collective security, to human development and to our economic prosperity. But as accountability, the rule of law, and inclusion have eroded in so many countries, the knock-on impact means that we are facing a real risk of our international systems unravelling and reversing the gains.
Reports published by V-Dem and Freedom House last year showed that autocracies outnumber democracies. Disinformation, corruption and illicit finance are being used to weaken public trust in democratic norms and institutions. When politics becomes less open and less accountable conflict becomes more likely and instability spreads.
This matters here at home. In December, Blaise Metreweli, chief of SIS, otherwise known as MI6, put it starkly: “the front line is everywhere”. Hostile states use online manipulation, cyber tools and money to distort debate and undermine confidence in our institutions. We have also seen recent cases in the UK showing how foreign influence can be bought and sold. The response cannot sit with security agencies alone. We need strong democratic institutions, clear rules and trusted partnerships.
As Yvette Cooper, Foreign Secretary, said in December, we all have the duty “to work together in the pursuit of peace, security and democracy, and to stand together against anyone who threatens that goal.”
That is where the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) contributes: UK support for democratic resilience abroad matters. In 2025, through WFD, we worked alongside local partners to strengthen parliaments, support political inclusion and help political systems resolve tensions without violence.
In Ukraine, we focused on the democratic foundations that will be essential for recovery and reconstruction. A system where veterans and other community leaders can play a constructive role and where decisions are shaped locally and transparently.
WFD’s locally led teams are supporting stronger public debt management practices so that countries can focus on growing their economies and delivering services, creating more stable partners and better trade relationships for the UK.
We also kept a sharp focus on women’s political participation and safety. Violence against women in politics pushes women out of public life and weakens democracy from within. In 2025, we developed and shared a practical tool to help parliaments and political parties turn commitments into action.
Looking ahead, I am clear about what is at stake. If we allow autocrats to shape international norms, our security, our prosperity and our way of life comes under threat. For democracy to prevail, it has to withstand, evolve and deliver. WFD will keep working with partners to make that possible.
Without democracy, there is insecurity. Without democracy, trade and growth are transactional, not transformative. Without democracy, our natural world is unsustainable.
And finally, without your engagement, the UK’s impact is weaker. WFD’s work is strengthened when parliamentarians and parties engage directly with counterparts overseas.
Yasmin Qureshi is Labour MP for Bolton South and Walkden, and chair of Westminster Foundation for Democracy
