Quotes Library

August 11, 2025

We are here to consult the interests and not to obey the will of the people, if we honestly believe that will conflicts with those interests.

Robert Peel (1788–1850), British Conservative politician, prime minister, in the House of Commons, 1832, Jay p.288

Interests of the people? Will of the people? Is it the people you work for, or do only some people get your undivided attention?

Peel is right, for to do otherwise leads to government by plebiscite, in which the will of the people trumps the best interests of the people. Brexit may (or may not) turn out to be the best example of this peril.

Politics & Politicians

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