This is the story of the rise of a new global oligarchy that is steadily killing democracy even in the country that helped most to create it. Its people have been mesmerised by the great post-war lie that freedom and wholesome government depend upon surrendering power to the human rights priesthood.

The massed forces of today’s human rights establishment effectively block discussion of the dangerous and negative effects of our rights culture. Much safer to push the issue to the back of our minds, and pretend all is well.

There is a long tradition in British politics of using verse to make the tiresome more palatable. This ode borrows from that tradition, and from the style of Alexander Pope. A short, enjoyable read combined with serious intent. This ode is a plea for action, before it is too late.